Research
Presbyphonia
Presbyphonia, or age-related dysphonia, is a diagnosis of exclusion, and other comorbidities must be considered in a complete evaluation of elderly patients with dysphonia. The aging voice can have a significant effect on the quality of life of the patient. In addition to the molecular effects of aging on the laryngeal tissues, the etiology of presbyphonia is often multifactorial because of comorbidities in the other organ systems involved in phonation. After a comprehensive evaluation, presbyphonia may be treated conservatively with voice therapy or with a range of interventions. Research into tissue engineering and electrical reanimation offers future options for treatment of presbyphonia. Currently, a multidisciplinary approach offers the most complete improvement in the vocal quality of life in this patient population.
Johns, M., Clemson-Arviso, L., & Ramadan, F. Challenges and Opportunities in the Management of the Aging Voice. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surgery, 145, 1-6. Retrieved May 1, 2014, from http://oto.sagepub.com.libsrv.wku.edu/content/145/1/1.full.pdf+html
Johns, M., Clemson-Arviso, L., & Ramadan, F. Challenges and Opportunities in the Management of the Aging Voice. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surgery, 145, 1-6. Retrieved May 1, 2014, from http://oto.sagepub.com.libsrv.wku.edu/content/145/1/1.full.pdf+html
50-year longitudinal voice study
This recent longitudinal case study examines speech recordings that span 50 years through the ages of 48–98 of a male lay leader of a church. The subject avoided smoking, alcohol, coffee, and customary vocal irritants that could complicate age-specific changes to the voice. The auditory environment was consistent and all the speeches provided a sustained representative voice sample for the analysis. Two types of analyses were utilized: length of speech breath groups to show efficiency of vital lung capacity and laryngeal valving, and speech fundamental frequency to reveal the present health of the laryngeal physiology. Aging-related changes became evident in his mid to late 60s suggesting a significant difference in the physiological processes of the speech mechanism. At the same time, both the rate of speech (words per minute) and the length of speech breathing decreased. Further studies may be done which may show when assessments and treatments should be done and when preventative exercise would aid in slowing the aging process. Also, future longitudinal studies may be done that will involve more subjects and include both genders.
Hunter, E. J., Kapsner-Smith, M., Pead, P., Engar, M. Z., & Brown, W. R. (January 01, 2012). Age and speech production: a 50-year longitudinal study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 60, 6, 1175-7. Retrieved from http://aging.utah.edu/_documents/news/docs/hunterjags2012.pdf
Understanding Aging Voice: A 50-year longitudinal study of Speeches:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvSBi1rj6DM
Hunter, E. J., Kapsner-Smith, M., Pead, P., Engar, M. Z., & Brown, W. R. (January 01, 2012). Age and speech production: a 50-year longitudinal study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 60, 6, 1175-7. Retrieved from http://aging.utah.edu/_documents/news/docs/hunterjags2012.pdf
Understanding Aging Voice: A 50-year longitudinal study of Speeches:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvSBi1rj6DM
Acoustic Characteristics of the Aging Voice
The purpose of the investigation was to examine acoustic voice changes across the life span. Previous voice production investigations used small numbers of participants, had limited age ranges, and produced contradictory results. Voice recordings were made from 192 male and female participants 4-93 years of age. Acoustic measures of fundamental frequency (F0), sound pressure level (SPL), and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) were made. Coefficients of variation for F0, SPL, and SNR served as measures of variability. Variables were analyzed separately with stepwise regressions, using age and sex as predictors. Differences in F0 and SNR across the life span were sex specific. Male and female participants demonstrated significant nonlinear trends for F0, but the trends were stronger for male participants. Female participants demonstrated a similar nonlinear trend for SNR, whereas male participants demonstrated linear increases in SNR with age. Variability of F0, SPL, and SNR followed nonlinear trends, higher at younger and older ages. Changes in voice production occur throughout the life span, often in a nonlinear way and differently for male and female individuals. Higher variability of acoustic measures of voice in both young and old speakers reflects changes in anatomic structure, physiologic mechanisms, and motor control.
Changes in Acoustic Characteristics of the Voice Across the Life Span: Measures From Individuals 4-93 Years of Age. Journal of Speech, Language & Hearing Research, 10924388, August 1, 2011, Vol. 54, Issue 4
Changes in Acoustic Characteristics of the Voice Across the Life Span: Measures From Individuals 4-93 Years of Age. Journal of Speech, Language & Hearing Research, 10924388, August 1, 2011, Vol. 54, Issue 4