Dr. Ciaran Kenny

Assistant Professor, Clin Speech & Language Studies

Biography

Ciarán Kenny is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Clinical Speech and Language Studies, Trinity College Dublin. As well as teaching on the Department's undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, he serves as Postgraduate Course Director and was elected to University Council in 2024.

Dr Kenny holds a BSc in Applied Computational Linguistics, MSc in Speech and Language Therapy and PhD from Trinity College Dublin. His PhD topic was 'Dysphagia in adults with solid malignancies outside the head, neck, and upper gastrointestinal tract'. He has also gone on to complete qualifications in Statistics and in Academic Practice.

His special interests are voice and swallowing disorders. He focuses predominantly on improving evaluation and management practices for people living with these difficulties. He has a particular interest in instrumental evaluation of these disorders using tools such as acoustic analysis, ultrasound, videofluoroscopy and videostroboscopy.

Dr Kenny is co-Editor-in-Chief of Advances in Communication and Swallowing, having previously served as Associate Editor for BMJ - Supportive and Palliative Care. He is a former Chairperson of the Irish Voice Special Interest Group and was awarded lifetime membership for his contributions. He has also been recognised with an MA(jo) for service to College, as well a National Teaching Hero award.

Publications and Further Research Outputs

Peer-Reviewed Publications
Non-Peer-Reviewed Publications

Kenny, C., Gilheaney, O, Walsh, D, Regan, J., Oropharyngeal Dysphagia Evaluation Tools in Adults with Solid Malignancies Outside the Head and Neck and Upper GI Tract: A Systematic Review, Dysphagia, 33, (3), 2018, p303 - 320Journal Article, 2018, DOI , URL
Kenny, C., Regan, J. Walsh, D., Cancer cachexia and dysphagia: A nutritional and therapeutic dilemma?, Clinical Nutrition, European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN), Madrid, Spain, 1-4 September 2018, 37, (s1), 2018, pp77 - 78Published Abstract, 2018, DOI , URL
Kenny C., Assessment practices of Irish speech and language therapists in the evaluation of voice disorders, Logopedics Phoniatrics Vocology, 42, (1), 2017, p12 - 21Journal Article, 2017, DOI , URL
Kenny C., Regan J., Walsh D., Dysphagia in cancer patients: Common, dangerous, and under-diagnosed , 26 , (S2 ), 2018, ppS170 -Published Abstract, 2018
Gilheaney, Ó., Béchet, S., Kerr, P., Kenny, C., Smith, S., Kouider, R., Kidd, R., Walshe, M., The prevalence of oral stage dysphagia in adults presenting with temporomandibular disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Acta Odontologica Scandinavica, 76, (6), 2018, p448 - 458Journal Article, 2018, DOI , URL
Holmes, E., Kenny, C., Samuel, M., Regan, J., O'Rourke, J., McCoubrey, C., The role of Speech and Language Therapy in Assessing and Managing Pharyngo-esophageal Diverticula, Irish Medical Journal, 108, (10), 2015, p296 - 298Journal Article, 2015, URL
Kenny C, Regan J, Walsh D, Cancer cachexia and dysphagia: A nutritional and therapeutic dilemma?, 37, (S1), 2018, ppS77 - S78Published Abstract, 2018
Kenny, C., Uí Dhuibhír, P., O'Donoghue, N., Barrett, N., Parkes, C., Daly, S., Thirion, P., Walsh, D., Wireless intra-oral measurement of dynamic tongue pressures: A clinical utility pilot study, Dysphagia, European Society for Swallowing Disorders, Milan, 32, (1), 2017, pp147 - 147Published Abstract, 2017
Kenny, C., Regan, J., Walsh, D., Psychometric properties of screening and evaluation tools for oro-pharyngeal dysphagia in adults with cancer outside the upper GI tract: A systematic review, Dysphagia, European Society for Swallowing Disorders, Milan, 32, (1), 2017, pp133 - 133Published Abstract, 2017
Kenny, C., Mukerji, N., Walsh, D., A clinical audit of xerostomia assessment and treatment practices amongst advanced cancer patients in a palliative care setting, BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care, Association for Palliative Medicine Supportive & Palliative Care Conference, Belfast, 7, (S1), 2017Published Abstract, 2017, DOI , URL
Mukerji, N., Kenny, C., Walsh, D., A clinical audit of xerostomia assessment and treatment practices amongst advanced cancer patients in a palliative care setting, Irish Journal of Medical Science, 186, (1), 2016, ppS24 - S25Published Abstract, 2016
Lawson, S., Macklin, I., Kenny, C., Voice disorders in older people referred to speech and language therapy, Irish Journal of Medical Science, Irish Gerontological Society, Dublin, 182, (6), 2013, ppS260 - S260Published Abstract, 2013
Kenny, C., Loudness therapy application for Parkinson's Disease using iPhone and iPad, International Journal of Integrated Care, International Congress on Telehealth and Telecare, London, 11, (6), 2011Published Abstract, 2011, DOI , URL
Ciaran Kenny, Julie Regan, Declan Walsh, Dysphagia screening, evaluation and quality of life tools for cancers outside the head, neck, and upper GI tract: A systematic review, Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists Biennial Conference, Dublin, 2017Oral Presentation, 2017
Ciaran Kenny, Julie Regan, Declan Walsh, Dysphagia in cancers outside the head, neck, and upper GI tract, Translating Health and Social Care Professions' Research into Policy and Practice, Dublin, 2018, 2018Oral Presentation, 2018
Ciaran Kenny, Julie Regan, Declan Walsh, Dysphagia in solid cancers: Prevalance and predictors, European Society for Swallowing Disorders, Dublin, 2018Oral Presentation, 2018
Ciaran Kenny, Julie Regan, Declan Walsh, Dysphagia in solid cancers: Clinical characteristics and impact, European Society for Swallowing Disorders, Dublin, 2018Oral Presentation, 2018
Kenny, C., Regan, J., Balding, L., Higgins, S., O'Leary, N., Kelleher, F., McDermott, R., Armstrong, J., Mihai, A., Tiernan, E. and Westrup, J., Dysphagia prevalence and predictors in cancers outside the head, neck, and upper gastrointestinal tract., Journal of pain and symptom management., 58, (6), 2019, p949 - 958Journal Article, 2019, DOI , URL
Kenny, C, Swallowing Problems in Cancer, Irish Association for Cancer Research, Belfast, 2019Oral Presentation, 2019
Kenny C, Regan J, Walsh, D, Dysphagia in cancers outside the head, neck, and upper gastrointestinal tract, 55th Annual Conference: Irish Association for Cancer Research, Belfast, 2019Meeting Abstract, 2019
Kenny, C, Dysphonia and Vocal Tract Discomfort While Working From Home During COVID-19, Journal of Voice, 36, (6), 2022, p877.e1 - 877.e8Journal Article, 2022, DOI , URL
Georgalas VL, Kalantzi N, Harpur I, Kenny C., The Effects of Caffeine on Voice: A Systematic Review., Journal of voice : official journal of the Voice Foundation, 37, (4), 2023, p636.e7 - 636.e19Journal Article, 2023, DOI , URL , TARA - Full Text
Kenny, C. and Regan, J. and Balding, L. and Higgins, S. and O'Leary, N. and Kelleher, F. and McDermott, R. and Armstrong, J. and Mihai, A. and Tiernan, E. and Westrup, J. and Thirion, P. and Walsh, D., Dysphagia in Solid Tumors Outside the Head, Neck or Upper GI Tract: Clinical Characteristics, Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 64, (6), 2022, p546 - 554Journal Article, 2022, DOI , URL
Gerosa M, Kenny C, The Effects of Vocal Loading and Steam Inhalation on Acoustic, Aerodynamic and Vocal Tract Discomfort Measures in Adults, Journal of voice : official journal of the Voice Foundation, 39, (2), 2025, p565.e17 - 565.e25Journal Article, 2025, DOI , URL
Lynch, Y., Milofsky, B., Sullivan, C., Farren, E., Gilheaney, Ó., Johnson, S., Kenny, C., Jagoe, C., Quigley, D., Developing a framework and digital toolkit for healthcare professional students and educators to support Technology-Enabled Practice Education (TEPE), Journal of Practice Teaching and Learning, 21, (1-2), 2023, p1 - 30Journal Article, 2023, DOI , URL
Kenny, C., Spotlight on: Nature, assessment, and management of laryngopharyngeal reflux, Advances in Communication and Swallowing, 26, (2), 2023, p89 - 97Journal Article, 2023, DOI , URL
Gillman, A., Kenny, C., Hayes, M., Walshe, M., Reynolds, J.V., Regan, J., Nature, severity, and impact of chronic oropharyngeal dysphagia following curative resection for esophageal cancer: a cross-sectional study, Diseases of the Esophagus, 37, (5), 2024, pdoa3003Journal Article, 2024, DOI , URL
Kenny, C., Regan, J., Balding, L., Higgins, S., O"Leary, N., Kelleher, F., McDermott, R., Armstrong, J., Mihai, A., Tiernan, E., Westrup, J., Thirion, P., Walsh, D., Oxaliplatin-related dysphagia: Mixed-methods study, BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care, 14, 2024, pe1725 - e1728Journal Article, 2024, DOI , URL
Aktas, A.,Thomas, S., Barrett, M., Sui, J., Waldman, J., Kenny, C., Eustice-Cook, J., Kadakia, K.C., Walsh, D., Nutritional Interventions in Advanced Cancer: Scoping Review, American Journal of Hospice & Palliative Medicine, 43, (6), 2026, p668 - 688Journal Article, 2026, DOI , URL , TARA - Full Text
Kenny, C., Mooney, C., Moore, R., Communication and Psychosocial Outcomes of a Six-Month Group Intervention for Older Transgender Women, Journal of Voice, In Press, 2025Journal Article, 2025, DOI , URL
Ciarán Kenny, Narayani Mukerji, Declan Walsh, A clinical audit of xerostomia assessment and treatment practices amongst advanced cancer patients in a palliative care setting, BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care, Association for Palliative Medicine Supportive and Palliative Care Conference, Belfast, 2017, 7, (s1), 2017, ppA9.1 - A9, ppA9.1-A9Published Abstract, 2017, DOI , URL
Yanushevskaya, I., Kenny, C., Cepstral Peak Prominence: Normative Values for Clinical Voice Assessment - A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis, Journal of Voice, In Press, 2025Journal Article, 2025, DOI , URL
Kenny, C., White, M., Agreement in Voice Gender Perception Between Cisgender and Transgender/Gender-Diverse Listeners: An Observational Study Using Reddit Recordings, Journal of Voice, In Press, 2025Journal Article, 2025, DOI , URL
De Biasio, C., Kenny, C., Children's Ability to Identify and Describe Dysphonia: A Multimethod Study, International Journal of Language & Communication Disorders, 61, (1), 2026, p1-10Journal Article, 2026, DOI , URL
Speech-Language Pathology in, editor(s)Kothari, M., Cummings, L. , Dysphagia and the Multidisciplinary Team, New York, Routledge, 2026, [Kenny, C., Flynn, É.]Book Chapter, 2026
Snovak, N., Kenny, C., Vocal tract discomfort awareness among Otolaryngologists and Speech and Language Therapists, 31st Congress of the Union of the European Phoniatricians, Prague, 2025, 2025Oral Presentation, 2025
Duignan, S., Kenny, C., Oropharyngeal Dysphagia in Patients following Lung Transplantation: A Retrospective Review of Prevalence, Severity, Risk Factors and Clinical Profile, European Society for Swallowing Disorders 12th Annual Congress, Leuven, 2022, 2022Poster, 2022
Kenny, C., Maher, X.,Martyn,C., Gillivan-Murphy, P., Ice Chips During Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES): Factors Influencing Use & Association with Swallow Function in Adult Acute Care, European Society for Swallowing Disorders 12th Annual Congress, Leuven, 2022Poster, 2022
Jose, J., Holden, A., Kenny, C., Correlation between Penetration Aspiration Scale/Dysphagia Outcome Severity Scale and C-Reactive Protein/White Blood Cells in the post-Videofluoroscopy period " A retrospective study, European Society for Swallowing Disorders 12th Annual Congress, Leuven, 2022Poster, 2022
Thomas, A.T., Kenny, C., Influence of barium on perception of taste palatability and bolus consumption volume in food consistencies: A prospective, randomized crossover trial, European Society for Swallowing Disorders 12th Annual Congress, Leuven, 2022, 2022Poster, 2022
De Biasio, C., Kenny, C., Children's Ability to Identify and Describe Dysphonia: A Multimethod Study, 54th Annual Symposium: Care of the Professional Voice, Philadelphia, 2025, 2025Oral Presentation, 2025
Kenny, C., O'Toole, A., Lynch, V., Vocal Health and Voice Problems in Dog Agility Trainers, Pan-European Voice Conference 2026, Istanbul, 2026, 2026Oral Presentation, 2026
Kenny, C., Byrne, E., Voice Difficulties and Vocal Congruence Following Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer, Pan-European Voice Conference 2026, Istanbul, 2026, 2026Oral Presentation, 2026
Kenny, C., Osing, C., Investigating ultrasound settings for laryngeal imaging, Pan-European Voice Conference 2026, Istanbul, 2026, 2026Invited Talk, 2026
Byrne, E., Kenny, C., Voice Difficulties and Vocal Congruence Following Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer, Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists Biennial Conference, Portlaoise, 2026, 2026Oral Presentation, 2026
O'Toole, C., O'Malley, M.P., Kenny, C., Among women: Experiences of male SLTs in a female dominated profession, Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists Biennial Conference, Portlaoise, 2026, 2026Oral Presentation, 2026
Lu, C.J., Kenny, C., Vocal and Communicative Congruence in Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals: A Survey Study, Cutting Edge Laryngology, London, 2024, 2024Oral Presentation, 2024

Ciaran Kenny, Julie Regan, Declan Walsh, Dysphagia in Cancers outside the Head, Neck, and Upper GI Tract, British Association for Clinical Otolaryngology (BACO), Manchester, UK, June 2018, 2018, British Association for Clinical OtolaryngologyInvited Talk
Ciaran Kenny, Julie Regan, Declan Walsh, Dysphagia in solid cancers, Grand Rounds, Our Lady's Hospice & Care Services, 2018Oral Presentation
Walshe M, Regan J, Kenny C. , 8th Annual ESSD Congress, 25th - 29th Sept , In:Dysphagia: Shaping the Future, 2018, Aviva Stadium Dublin Meetings /Conferences Organised
Kenny, C., Dysphagia in Cancers outside Anatomic Swallow Regions, European Society for Swallowing Disorders, Online Webinar, 10/04/2019, 2019Oral Presentation, URL
Ryan, A., Hanna, M., Condon, N., Fanning, M., Kenny, C., Eating Well with Swallowing Difficulties in Cancer: Level 3 Liquidised Diet, Cork, University College Cork, 2022, 1-107ppBook
Ryan, A., Hanna, M., Condon, N., Fanning, M., Kenny, C., Eating Well with Swallowing Difficulties in Cancer: Level 4 Puréed Diet, Cork, University College Cork, 2022, 1-115ppBook
Ryan, A., Hanna, M., Condon, N., Fanning, M., Kenny, C., Eating Well with Swallowing Difficulties in Cancer: Level 5 Minced & Moist, Cork, University College Cork, 2022, 1-131ppBook
Ryan, A., Hanna, M., Condon, N., Fanning, M., Kenny, C., Eating Well with Swallowing Difficulties in Cancer: Level 6 Soft & Bite-Sized Diet, Cork, University College Cork, 2022, 1-131ppBook
Kenny, C., Update on Laryngopharyngeal Reflux, Symposium in Celebration of 10 Years of Postgraduate Voice Studies, Thomas More University, Antwerp, 04/05/2022, 2022Invited Talk
Kenny, C., Laryngopharyngeal Reflux and Dysphagia, Reflux, an unwanted guest: Multidisciplinary approaches, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, 06/12/2022, 2022, University of AntwerpInvited Talk
Kenny, C., Voice Care for Jazz Musicians, Voice Care for Jazz Musicians, Dublin City University, 18/01/2024, 2024, Dublin City UniversityInvited Talk
Kenny, C., Impact of Laryngopharyngeal Reflux on Voice and Swallow, ACS Autumn 2023 Online Lecture, Virtual, 27/11/2023, 2023, Advances in Communication and SwallowingInvited Talk, URL
Kenny, C., Laryngopharyngeal Reflux: Assessment and Management, World Voice Day 2024, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, 30/04/2024, 2024, Mater Misericordiae University HospitalInvited Talk
Kenny, C., Inspiratory and Expiratory Muscle Strength Training for Voice and Swallowing, Irish Voice Special Interest Group - Annual Study Day, Online, 2023, 2023, Irish Voice Special Interest GroupInvited Talk
Jain, P., Kenny, C., Vocal Adduction Exercises For Swallowing Rehabilitation In Adults With Healthy And/Or Disordered Swallowing: A Scoping Review, European Society for Swallowing Disorders 12th Annual Congress, Leuven, 2022, 2022Poster
Kenny, C., White, M, Agreement in Gender Perception of Transgender Voices: Comparing Transgender/Gender Diverse and Cisgender Listener Ratings, Pride in Research, Trinity College Dublin, 2025, 2025Oral Presentation
Kenny, C., Mooney, C., Moore, R., Communication and Psychosocial Outcomes of a 6-Month Group Intervention for Older Transgender Women, Pride in Research, Trinity College Dublin, 2025, 2025Oral Presentation
Kenny, C., Voice Management During COVID-19, Voice Management During COVID-19, Online, 2021, 2021, Irish Association of Speech and Language TherapistsInvited Talk
Kenny, C., Lu, C.J., Vocal and Communicative Congruence in Speech and Language Therapy: Does my voice belong to me?, Dept of Clinical Speech and Language Studies - Public Lecture Series, Online, 2026, 2026Invited Talk

Research Expertise

Keywords

Medical, health and life sciences, Cancer, Other health sciences, Other Humanities,

Recognition

Irish Voice Special Interest Group - Lifetime membership award for services to speech and language therapy nationally 2021
Master in Arts (jure officii) 2022
National Forum for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education / Union of Students in Ireland: Teaching Hero Award 2021
Trinity Inspiring Educator Award 2026

Irish Voice Special Interest Group (SIG) Present
Member of the European Society for Swallowing Disorders (ESSD) Present
CORU registered Speech and Language Therapist Present
Irish Adult Dysphagia Special Interest Group (SIG) Present
Full Member of Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists (MIASLT) Present
International Working Group on Ultrasound Imaging in Communication and Swallowing Disorders Present
International Association of Communication Sciences and Disorders (IALP) Present

External Examiner for the Speech and Language Therapy qualification in University of Reading (2020-2024). 2020-2024
Co-Editor-in-Chief: Advances in Communication and Swallowing 2023-Present
External Examiner for Videofluoroscopy Analysis in Adult Dysphagia postgraduate course (Tallaght University Hospital) 2024-Present