The Use of a Text-to-Speech Application as a Communication Aid During Medically Indicated Voice Rest: A Feasibility and Satisfaction Study.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of a text-to-speech (TTS) application on patient-reported communication confidence, adherence to voice rest, and perceived difficulty during a medically prescribed period of voice rest.

STUDY

DESIGN

Prospective randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

Sixty-two adult patients (mean age, 36.4 years) requiring 1 week of voice rest for laryngeal pathology were randomized into a control group (no support) or an intervention group (TTS app support). Baseline demographic and diagnostic variables were recorded. Outcomes included self-reported communication confidence, frequency of breaking voice rest, difficulty maintaining silence, and contextual adherence. App satisfaction and usability were assessed in the intervention group. Statistical comparisons employed t tests, χ² or Fisher's exact tests, and odds ratios with 95% Confidence Intervals.

RESULTS

Groups were demographically and clinically comparable at baseline (P > 0.05). The intervention group reported significantly higher communication confidence (P < 0.0001), better adherence to voice rest (P = 0.0012), and lower perceived difficulty (P < 0.01). Full adherence (no voice use in any setting) was more common in the intervention group (25.8% vs 3.2%; P = 0.003). The TTS group reported less frequent voice use at home, work, and social settings (all P ≤ 0.001). App satisfaction was high (mean score, 4.2/5), and 94% of users would recommend it.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of a TTS application significantly improved communication confidence, adherence, and perceived ease of maintaining voice rest. This inexpensive intervention might be very helpful for patients who are experiencing medically prescribed voice rest.