Improve speech volume with amplification
- Trial ID
- NCT07599696
- Official Title
- Speech Amplification Devices for Parkinson and Related Diseases: Talker- and Technology-Driven Enhancements
- Goal
- Improve speech volume with amplification
- Phase
- NA
- Status
- RECRUITING
- Sponsor
- Michigan State University
- Study Type
- INTERVENTIONAL
- Enrollment
- 100 participants
- Conditions
- Parkinson Disease, Atypical Parkinsonism
- Interventions
- Behavioral speech strategies + speech amplification
Summary For Families
The goal is to help people with Parkinson's and related parkinsonism speak louder and more clearly so conversations and daily communication feel easier. The approach uses behavioral speech coaching to increase vocal loudness and clarity, paired with a small portable amplification device that boosts the speaker's voice, and because it is non-drug it does not interfere with medications like levodopa. The amplifier makes your voice easier for others to hear while the coaching helps you use your voice more effectively. The study is looking for native North American English speakers age 50 and up with a neurologist diagnosis of Parkinson disease or atypical parkinsonism who have noticeable speech or voice changes, and it excludes people with other speech/neurological conditions or significant uncorrected hearing loss or cochlear implants.
Locations
- Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is this trial testing?
- This trial is studying Behavioral speech strategies + speech amplification. The goal is to help people with Parkinson's and related parkinsonism speak louder and more clearly so conversations and daily communication feel easier. The approach uses behavioral speech coaching to increase vocal loudness and clarity, paired with a small portable amplification device that boosts the speaker's voice, and because it is non-drug it does not interfere with medications like levodopa. The amplifier makes your voice easier for others to hear while the coaching helps you use your voice more effectively. The study is looking for native North American English speakers age 50 and up with a neurologist diagnosis of Parkinson disease or atypical parkinsonism who have noticeable speech or voice changes, and it excludes people with other speech/neurological conditions or significant uncorrected hearing loss or cochlear implants.
- Who can participate?
- Participants must be at least 50 Years.
- Where is this trial located?
- This trial is recruiting at 1 location.
- Does it cost anything to join?
- No. There is no cost to participate. Study-related care and treatment are provided at no charge.
- How long does the trial last?
- This trial is estimated to last approximately 3 years and 10 months.
- Will I get the real drug or a placebo?
- It depends on the trial design. Some Parkinson's trials are placebo controlled, meaning a portion of participants get an inactive comparison while others get the experimental treatment. Some use crossover designs so everyone eventually receives the active treatment at some point. Observational trials do not use a placebo at all because they are not testing a new treatment. The consent form for any specific trial spells out the design and your odds of being assigned to placebo before you enroll.
- How often will I need to visit the study site?
- Visit frequency varies by trial. Many Parkinson's studies require an in person visit every 4 to 12 weeks during the active treatment phase, with shorter or longer gaps depending on the design. The site coordinator can give you the full visit schedule before you sign anything, so you know what the time commitment looks like.
- Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?
- Yes. You can withdraw from any clinical trial at any time, for any reason, without affecting your standard medical care. Trials are voluntary by law. The team may ask if you are willing to do a brief exit visit so they can collect safety information, but you are not obligated.
- Will travel or parking be reimbursed?
- Many trials reimburse for parking, mileage, and sometimes lodging if the site is far from your home. Reimbursement policies vary by sponsor and site. When you contact the trial team, ask specifically what is covered and how reimbursement is processed.
- Can my spouse or care partner come with me to visits?
- In most cases yes, and it is often encouraged. Care partners can help with notes, questions, and getting home safely after a long visit. Some study assessments do need to happen one on one, but care partners are usually welcome for the rest of the appointment.