Research Programs

Recent and Ongoing Projects:

  • Genetic susceptibility in recurrent respiratory papillomatosis

  • Randomized controlled trial of voice on children with vocal nodules

  • Pattern of blood flow in the neovascularization of vocal fold masses: a pilot study

  • Intubation using a 5.0 endotracheal tube without a stylet during laryngeal surgery

  • HLA genotype & otosclerosis

  • Efficacy of a comprehensive neurotologic evaluation

  • Pilot study to evaluate optical frequency domain imaging as a tool for assessing laryngeal tissue pathology

  • Laboratory evaluation of vocal fold paresis and paralysis

  • Socioeconomic barriers to voice therapy in patients with spasmodic dysphonia

  • Vocal fold varices: predictors of hemorrhage

  • Improved technology for voice quantification

  • Vocal fold scarring, wound healing, genetic engineering

  • Cochlear implantation

  • Geriatric communication disorders (ear, voice)

  • Geriatric ORL disorders

  • Human performance

  • Treatment of “incurable” skull base tumors

  • Endocrine effects on voice, and their treatment

  • Innervation and function of the false vocal folds

  • Occupational hearing loss

  • Otolaryngologic applications of cold plasma technology

  • Development of surgical instrumentation

  • Clinical trials

  • Treatment of vocal fold nodules in children

  • Laryngopharyngeal reflux

  • Pulmonary function testing in the evaluation of dysphonia

  • Diagnosing laryngopharyngeal reflux: a comparison between 24-hour pH impedance testing and pharyngeal probes (Restech) testing

  • Central pathology in patients with spasmodic dysphonia

  • Pharyngeal manometry for evaluation of voice disorders

  • Relationship between VHI and laryngeal electromyography findings

  • Long-term dysphonia following hemorrhage

The American Institute for Voice and Ear Research shares space and resources with the Philadelphia Ear, Nose, and Throat Associates and The Voice Foundation at 219 N. Broad Street, Floor 10, Philadelphia, PA 19107.

Voice research resources include a comprehensive, extensively-equipped laboratory for acoustic, aerodynamic, vibratory and other phonatory assessments; five strobovideolaryngoscopy rooms; and facilities for singing and acting voice analysis, research, therapy and training.

Ear research resources include comprehensive audiology facilities, special audiometric equipment for ultra-high-frequency audiometric testing, brainstem evoked-response audiometry, promontory stimulator testing, electroneuronography, eletrocochleography, otoacoustic testing, cochlear implant program and rehabilitation facilities, electronystagmography, and computerized dynamic posturography (CDP). Extensive occupational hearing loss research and management have been an integral and internationally renowned component of AIVER. University facilities are utilized for histologic, biochemical, genetic, non-human and other special research needs.

Primary Research Interests and Priorities:

  • Improved technology for voice quantification

  • Vocal fold scarring, wound healing, genetic engineering

  • Cochlear implantation

  • Geriatric communication disorders (ear, voice)

  • Geriatric ORL disorders (hearing, voice, taste and smell, swallowing, other)

  • Human performance

  • Occult abnormalities in “normal” singers and professional speakers

  • Treatment of “incurable” skull base tumors

  • Endocrine effects on voice, and their treatment

  • Innervation and functions of the false vocal folds

  • Occupational hearing loss

  • Multimedia approaches to public education about the human voice

  • Alternative and complementary medication use in singers and actors

  • Otolaryngologic applications of cold plasma technology

  • Development of surgical instrumentation

  • Clinical trials

  • Synthetic-biological interface for cochlear implantation

  • Tinnitus: localization and treatment

  • Dizziness and fall prevention

  • Facial nerve abnormalities