Understanding Voice Research Procedures

What should I expect when participating in STEPP Lab studies?

Acoustic Recording (Microphone)

What it is: We record your voice using high-quality microphones to analyze the sound characteristics of your speech.

What to expect:

• You’ll speak into a microphone while reading sentences, words, or sounds
• Tasks might include saying “ahh,” reading passages, or repeating syllables
• You’ll wear headphones to hear instructions or audio samples

Comfort level: This is completely non-invasive and painless. It’s similar to recording a voice memo on your phone, but with professional equipment.

Aerodynamic Data Collection

What it is: We measure airflow and air pressure during speech to understand how your breathing and vocal system work together.

What to expect:

• You’ll speak while wearing a mask connected to airflow sensors
• Sometimes involves breathing into tubes to measure breathing patterns
• You might blow air through your mouth or produce specific sounds
• The equipment measures how much air you use and at what pressure

Comfort level: Non-invasive and painless. The mask is lightweight and comfortable. Some people compare it to breathing exercises or using a spirometer at the doctor’s office.

Endoscopy (Vocal Fold Visualization)

What it is: A small camera will be used to look at your voice box while you speak. This measurement technique is called “endoscopy,” and can be performed transnasally or transorally. For transnasal endoscopy (A in the diagram), a thin, flexible camera (endoscope) is gently inserted through your nose and past the soft palate to the back of the throat to view your vocal folds (voice box) while you speak. For transoral endoscopy (B in the diagram), a small, rigid scope is inserted through your mouth to the back of your tongue to view the vocal folds below. Both procedures use a digital video camera attached to the end of the scope to provide a view of the movements of your voice box and other speech structures..

What to expect:

• A flexible tube (thinner than a pencil) is slowly inserted through one nostril or a small, rigid tube is inserted into your mouth
• You’ll be asked to make sounds, speak, or sing while the camera records
• You can see your vocal folds on a monitor in real-time

Comfort level: Most people tolerate this well. You may feel slight pressure or the urge to swallow, but it’s generally not painful.

Safety note: This is a routine clinical procedure performed by trained professionals. The equipment is sterile and single-use.

Your Rights as a Participant

• Voluntary participation: You can stop any procedure at any time
• Informed consent: All procedures will be explained before you participate
• Questions welcome: Ask about anything you don’t understand
• Privacy: Your data is confidential and anonymized
• Compensation: You’ll be paid $30/hour for your time

Questions or Ready to Participate?

Email: stepplab@gmail.com
Phone: 617-358-1395
Location: 111 Cummington Mall, Rm. 225, Boston, MA