Vital capacity & airflow measurement for voice evaluation: A Vortex Whistle System, 18-30 years old

Why am I being invited to take part in a research study?
We invite you to take part in a research study because we seek individuals to help in testing a newly developed device (vortex whistle) for measuring the amount of air available for voice production and the ability to control that air as it flows from the lungs during voice production.

You are eligible to enroll if you meet these criteria:

1. 5 to 90 years or older
2. Ability to understand and carry out test instructions in English.
3. Non-smoking – defined as does not smoke (including e-cigarette/vaping) and has not
   smoked for at least five years prior to the study; individuals who report ≤ 1 pack of
   cigarettes per year and former smokers with lifetime pack-year history ≤ 5 years may
   be included.
4. No recent history of respiratory illness or infection (≤ 3 weeks).
5. No asthma diagnosis, or current use of medications known to affect lung function (e.g.,
   bronchodilator medications, methotrexate, amiodarone, statins).
6. No history of cancer or major organ disease
7. Non-pregnant

Why is this research being done?
People who have difficulty producing voice (e.g., hoarseness) may have underlying problems either with the amount of air available for voice production (respiratory capacity) or with the ability to control the air as it flows from the lungs and creates vibration of the vocal cords (phonatory airflow). Unfortunately, the current instruments used to measure respiratory (breathing) capacity and airflow during voice production (phonatory airflow) are very expensive and not readily available. This study examines the ability of a new, low-cost methodology using a vortex whistle to provide measures of respiratory capacity and phonatory airflow. This study can have great potential benefits for people with voice disorders and for the clinicians who evaluate them.