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Aging voice: presbyphonia.
Regina Helena Garcia Martins1, Tatiana Maria Gonçalvez, Adriana Bueno Benito Pessin
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil, rmartins@fmb.unesp.br.
Aging Clinical and Experimental Research
|September 27, 2013
Summary
Aging voices, or presbyphonia, involve physical changes in the vocal cords. This study reviews these voice changes and treatments to improve vocal performance in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Otolaryngology
- Speech and Hearing Science
Background:
- Presbyphonia is the natural aging of the voice.
- It involves physical changes in vocal cord tissues like mucosa, muscle, and cartilage.
- These changes can lead to voice difficulties in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physical and acoustic changes associated with presbyphonia.
- To discuss potential treatments for age-related voice disorders.
- To improve understanding of glottal incompetence and vocal performance in aging individuals.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of morphological changes in the aging voice.
- Analysis of endoscopic findings in presbyphonia.
- Evaluation of vocal acoustic alterations due to aging.
- Review of proposed therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- Morphological changes affect vocal cord structure, including mucosa, muscle, and cartilage.
- Endoscopic examination reveals specific alterations in the aging larynx.
- Acoustic analysis demonstrates measurable changes in voice quality and function.
- Glottal incompetence is a common consequence of these changes.
Conclusions:
- Presbyphonia is characterized by distinct structural and functional vocal cord changes.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for managing voice disorders in the elderly.
- Treatment strategies aim to mitigate glottal incompetence and enhance vocal performance.
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