The Voice of Reflux: Typical Vocal Biomarkers in Patients With Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

What this Trial Is About

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus and throat, causing symptoms like heartburn, acid regurgitation, throat irritation, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, and a dry cough. This condition may be caused by weak lower esophageal sphincter muscles, hiatal hernia, or movement disorders in the esophagus or stomach. Researchers are exploring whether voice samples can detect characteristic changes related to reflux, potentially offering a simple, non-invasive way to identify this condition early. This observational study involves patients undergoing standard diagnostic tests for reflux, including gastroscopy, esophageal manometry, and 24-hour impedance pH measurement. Participants will be grouped into those with confirmed reflux and those without. Voice recordings and questionnaires will be collected at diagnosis and, for reflux patients, again five months after starting treatment. The recordings will be digitally analyzed for typical vocal changes associated with reflux by a Swiss technology center. Participants will provide voice samples via microphone and complete questionnaires without needing extra hospital visits. The study lasts up to five months and stores data securely in encrypted form following strict privacy rules. Researchers aim to identify vocal markers linked to reflux and understand how they relate to symptoms and treatment effects, with results expected in 2025.

"The Voice of Reflux" - Backflow of Gastric Juice Leads to Irritation of the Vocal Folds: Are There Typical Differences in the Voice?