RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Brain and Voice Signatures in Teachers

This study is investigating why some teachers develop voice problems, like their voice getting tired or hoarse, often called muscle tension dysphonia. We believe that stress and personality might play a part. The research will look at female teachers, some with voice fatigue and some without, to understand how stress affects their voices and brains. Participants will do speech tasks while we measure their brain activity, collect saliva samples (to check stress hormones), and record their voice and throat muscle activity. The goal is to uncover new information about how stress impacts voice problems and how we might prevent them in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Bonn

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 Aug 2023

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2026

Voice Disorders Voice Fatigue

What is this study about?

This research is looking into a common voice problem called 'primary muscle tension dysphonia'. This is when your voice gets tired or hoarse without any obvious damage to your vocal cords. It can really affect your daily life, especially if you use your voice a lot, like teachers do. At the moment, we don't fully understand what causes it, which makes it hard to diagnose and treat precisely.

We think that stress and even your personality might play a role in developing these voice problems. This study aims to find out exactly how stress affects how our brains control our voice and speech. We'll be working with female teachers, both those who are just starting their careers or are still training, and who experience voice fatigue, as well as a group of teachers without these voice issues. They'll do some speech activities on two separate occasions.

During the study, we'll collect different types of information. We'll use special scans to look at their brain activity, take saliva samples to check for stress markers, and use sensors on their neck to measure voice muscle activity. We'll also record their voices. By comparing teachers who react strongly to stress with those who don't, and with teachers who don't have voice issues, we hope to learn if stress causes a stronger reaction in the brain pathways linked to voice production. This could help us understand why some people develop voice problems and lead to better ways for doctors to identify those at risk.

Key takeaways

We're studying voice problems in female teachers.
The research investigates if stress affects voice control.
It involves brain scans, saliva tests, and voice recordings.
No medication is given during the study.
The goal is to better understand and prevent voice disorders.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for healthy women aged between 21 and 39. We are interested in either teachers who have been teaching full-time for up to 10 years or student teachers, who also experience vocal fatigue – meaning their voice gets tired or hoarse easily.

We also need healthy women of the same age range who do not experience any vocal fatigue, to act as a comparison group. They will help us understand the differences between those with and without voice problems.

There are certain reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you are left-handed, currently smoke or have smoked in the last five years, have known vocal cord problems (like nodules) or have had voice therapy before. Other reasons include having certain health conditions such as respiratory illnesses, allergies to silver, reflux, asthma, hearing problems, or psychological or neurological conditions. Being pregnant, having a very high body mass index (BMI over 30), or having metal in your body (like some braces, piercings, or certain tattoos) that would prevent an MRI scan would also mean you can't take part. Lastly, if you have severe short-sightedness or struggle with small, enclosed spaces (claustrophobia), you wouldn't be eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a woman between 21 and 39 years old?
Are you a teacher (max 10 years full-time) or a student teacher?
Do you experience vocal fatigue or not?
Do you have good general health?
Are you right-handed and have you not smoked in the last 5 years?
Do you have no metal implants that would prevent an MRI scan?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you will be asked to visit the research centre on two separate occasions. During these visits, you will perform various speech tasks. We will also take saliva samples to check for stress levels, and you will have a special scan to look at your brain activity. Additionally, we will place small sensors on your neck to measure the activity of your voice muscles and record your voice. There are no medications involved in this study. The total duration of your participation will include these two visits, along with any necessary preparations and follow-up checks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer you the benefit of a detailed assessment of your vocal health and brain activity without charge. While there are no guarantees, the information we learn might eventually lead to better ways to prevent and treat voice disorders, benefiting many people. As with any study involving medical tests like MRI scans, there are some potential, though rare, risks which the research team will explain fully. For example, some people might find the MRI scanner noisy or feel anxious in enclosed spaces. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital Bonn
Verified postcode
Bonn, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'vocal fatigue'?

Vocal fatigue means your voice gets tired, hoarse, or feels strained, especially after speaking for a while. It's like your voice muscles are worn out.

Will I have to take any medication?

No, this study does not involve taking any medications. It's all about observing how your brain and voice work.

What is an MRI scan?

An MRI scan uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body, in this case, your brain. It's totally safe and doesn't use X-rays.

How long will I need to be involved?

You'll need to attend two separate appointments at the research centre. The full details of the timing will be explained by the study team.

Why are only female teachers included?

The study is focusing on female teachers because voice problems are often more common in women and particularly in professions like teaching. This helps to make the study results clearer.

How to find out more

Maria Dietrich, PhD

maria.dietrich@ukbonn.de +49228287 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.