Prevalence of Voice Disorders in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Voice disorders significantly impair the ability to communicate effectively and reduce the quality of life in older adults; however, its prevalence has not been well established. The aim of our research was to investigate the prevalence and associated factors of voice disorders among the older population.

Five medical databases were systematically searched for studies that reported the prevalence of voice disorders in older adults. The overall prevalence was exhibited in proportions and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) utilizing random-effects models. Heterogeneity was measured using I 2 statistics.

Of 930 articles screened, 13 fulfilled the eligibility criteria, including 10 studies in community-based settings and three in institutionalized settings. An overall prevalence of voice disorders in older adults was estimated to be 18.79% (95% CI [16.34, 21.37], I 2 = 96%). Subgroup analysis showed a prevalence of 33.03% (95% CI [26.85, 39.51], I 2 = 35%) in institutionalized older adults, which was significantly higher than that in the community-based older adults with 15.2% (95% CI [12.65, 17.92], I 2 = 92%). Some factors that influenced the reported prevalence were identified, including types of survey, the definition of voice disorders, sampling methods, and the mean age of the population among included studies.

The prevalence of voice disorders in the older population depends on various factors but is relatively common in older adults. The findings of this study accentuate the necessity for researchers to standardize the protocol for reporting geriatric dysphonia as well as for older adults to express their voice-related problems so that they will receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment.