Paper Presentation: Characterizing Interoceptive and Exteroceptive Sensory Processing in Adults with Voice Disorders: Preliminary Findings

Voice production is fundamentally a multisensory process shaped by the integration of both internal and external sensory information. While prior research in voice disorders has largely focused on sensorimotor integration, less is understood about how individuals perceive, interpret, and regulate broader sensory experiences related to voice production. Emerging evidence suggests that altered sensory processing may contribute to the experience and presentation of certain voice disorders, including primary muscle tension dysphonia. The purpose of this study was to characterize interoceptive and exteroceptive sensory processing profiles in adults with voice disorders, compare these profiles to published normative data, and examine relationships between interoceptive and exteroceptive processing patterns.

Twenty-two adults with laryngology-confirmed voice disorders (17 female, 5 male; mean age = 58.5 years) completed the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness–2 (MAIA-2) and the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (A/ASP) following initial voice evaluation. Descriptive statistics, one-sample t-tests, and Pearson correlations were conducted.

Considerable heterogeneity in exteroceptive sensory processing profiles was observed, with only 18% of participants scoring within the “Similar to Most People” range across all four A/ASP quadrants. Compared to normative data, participants demonstrated significantly elevated MAIA-2 Noticing and Emotional Awareness scores, suggesting increased awareness of internal bodily sensations and stronger associations between bodily sensations and emotional states. Correlational analyses revealed a significant negative relationship between the MAIA-2 Trusting subscale and A/ASP Sensory Sensitivity quadrant, indicating that lower body trust was associated with greater sensory sensitivity.

Preliminary findings suggest that voice disorders may involve altered sensory experience in addition to altered motor behavior. Individual differences in sensory processing may help explain variability in therapeutic response and support the potential value of individualized, sensory-informed approaches to voice therapy. Future research should further investigate relationships between sensory processing patterns, voice disorder presentation, and therapy outcomes.

Panel: Embracing Professional Vulnerability: A Panel Discussion

Voice professionals work at the intersection of artistry and science. Beneath both lies something less visible, but equally important: vulnerability. Vulnerability often surfaces in moments of uncertainty when we question what we know, how we care for the individuals we serve, and how we define our roles within a complex and evolving field. Yet these moments of uncertainty can also be where growth and innovation begin. In this panel, we explore three areas where professional vulnerability frequently emerges: in our relationships with clients, in our relationship with knowledge, and in how we understand and define ourselves as voice professionals.