# Validation of an automated acoustic outcome measure for AdLD

> **NIH NIH F32** · BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS) · 2022 · $69,874

## Abstract

Project Summary
Laryngeal dystonia (LD) is a neurological voice disorder characterized by involuntary spasms of the laryngeal
muscles during phonation, which significantly impacts psychosocial well-being and quality of life. The most
common subtype of LD is adductor laryngeal dystonia (AdLD), which involves spasms of the laryngeal muscles
that adduct the vocal folds, resulting in LD discontinuities. LD discontinuities are disruptions to the speech
acoustic signal caused by the spasms and include phonatory breaks (voice breaks) and frequency shifts (pitch
breaks) that are most severe during production of voiced sounds. A significant issue in treating AdLD is frequent
misdiagnosis. AdLD is often mistaken for muscle tension dysphonia (MTD), a functional voice disorder with
increased global laryngeal tension, but without laryngeal spasms. Clinical outcome measures for AdLD are non-
specific to the primary signs of AdLD and/or clinically unfeasible . Recently, a new automated acoustic measure,
based on spectral aggregate of the high-passed fundamental frequency contour (SAHfo) was designed to be
sensitive to LD discontinuities specific to AdLD. However, before the measure can be implemented clinically, it
is essential to assess whether SAHfo is related to and sensitive to changes in the core signs of AdLD: adductory
laryngeal spasms and the resulting atypical phonatory events. The goal of this proposal is to investigate SAHfo
as a clinically feasible outcome measure specific to AdLD. We will record high-speed videoendoscopy and
speech acoustics of 30 adults with AdLD while they are in their most symptomatic state. In Aim 1, we will
determine whether SAHfo reflects the primary signs of AdLD, comparing SAHfo (calculated automatically) to the
number of LD discontinuities (calculated manually from the acoustic signal) and to the number of laryngeal
spasms (computed during high-speed videoendoscopy). Results of this aim will provide essential evidence of
concurrent validity of SAHfo as an outcome measure in AdLD. In Aim 2, we will record speech acoustics from
30 individuals with MTD to evaluate the discriminant validity of SAHfo, comparing its values in speakers with
AdLD and speakers with MTD. A clinically feasible, objective measure of the primary signs of AdLD would be
transformative for patients with AdLD, leading to earlier diagnoses and a path to successful evaluation of new
treatments. Through this work, the applicant will build on her previous research experience with perceptual and
aerodynamic measures by training in advanced acoustics and high-speed videoendoscopic methods. The
training will take place at Boston University, with support from her sponsors: Dr. Stepp and Dr. Guenther. The
training plan will include formal coursework in MATLAB and neural control of speech. This research will provide
this promising investigator with the experience and expertise in psychometric analysis of objective measures as
she embarks on a successful career as an...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10602982
- **Project number:** 1F32DC020349-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS)
- **Principal Investigator:** Katherine Lindsey Marks
- **Activity code:** F32 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $69,874
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2022-08-10 → 2024-08-09

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10602982

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10602982, Validation of an automated acoustic outcome measure for AdLD (1F32DC020349-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-01 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10602982. Licensed CC0.

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