Eric J. Hunter is the Chair of the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at the University of Iowa, home to two top 10 graduate clinical training programs as ranked by U.S. News & World Report. His research focuses on occupational voice use, particularly voice disorders in teachers, as well as speech signal processing, biomechanical models of the vocal system, and muscle mechanics. He also explores the vocal demands of singing and performance, contributing to a deeper understanding of vocal health.
Dr. Hunter’s interdisciplinary background began at Brigham Young University, where he studied physics and mathematics, leading to his specialization in acoustics, speech acoustics, and speech signal processing. He earned his Ph.D. in Speech and Hearing Science at the University of Iowa, modelling vocal fold posturing using continuum mechanics. His expertise has fostered collaborations across engineering, biology, education, music, medicine, psychology, and veterinary medicine. He also works closely with clinical practitioners and speech-language pathologists to translate research into practical voice care.
Dr. Hunter has published over 115 peer-reviewed papers and given more than 500 presentations. Before joining the University of Iowa, he was a Michigan State University Foundation Professor, serving as Senior Associate Dean for Research and Director of the Trifecta Initiative for Interdisciplinary Health Research.
Dr. Hunter is a Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America.
Upcoming Short Courses
Tuesday 27th May 2025
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
(London Time)
Vocal Effort and Fatigue: What are the Research Insights for Voice Clinicians?
Eric J. Hunter
Elevated vocal effort is one of the most common symptoms reported by patients in the voice clinic, yet its measurement and management remain inconsistent. Vocal effort and vocal fatigue are closely linked, but their interplay remains poorly understood. This research-based presentation will examine how vocal effort relates to voice production and vocal demands, offering empirical insights into its role in perceived vocal fatigue. It will also cover definitions, measurement protocols, and strategies for reducing variability in assessment. Additionally, current research methodologies aimed at improving clinical assessment tools will be discussed to support more reliable and valid measurement of vocal effort and fatigue.