Glottic characteristics and voice complaint in the elderly.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Gerontology
• Voice Science

Background:

• Aging affects laryngeal structures, leading to conditions like presbylarynx.
• Presbylarynx is characterized by specific vocal fold changes, impacting voice quality.
• Understanding the relationship between presbylarynx and voice complaints is crucial for geriatric care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between voice complaints and vocal fold status in patients over 60.
• To specifically examine the characteristics of presbylarynx and their association with voice issues.
• To compare voice complaints in patients with presbylarynx versus those with other vocal fold alterations.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of clinical histories and laryngoscopy images from 210 patients (88 male, 122 female) aged over 60.
• Evaluation of indicative glottic characteristics of presbylarynx: vocal fold bowing, prominence of vocal processes, and spindle-shaped glottic chink.
• Assessment of vocal fold mass increase, leukoplakia, miscellaneous alterations, and presence/absence of voice complaint.

Main Results:

• Vocal fold bowing, prominence of vocal processes, and spindle-shaped glottic chink showed strong inter-correlation.
• Presbylarynx was associated with a lower incidence of voice complaints compared to other vocal fold mucosal alterations.
• Vocal fold mucosal alterations were more prevalent in the absence of presbylarynx.

Conclusions:

• Specific glottic changes indicative of presbylarynx are highly correlated in older adults.
• The aging process (presbylarynx) may present with fewer subjective voice complaints than other vocal fold pathologies.
• Further research into the pathophysiology and management of presbylarynx-related voice changes is warranted.