Presbyphonia and Minimal Glottic Insufficiency

Abstract

Presbyphonia is defined as aging of the voice, and its growing attention as a medical concern parallels the continuing increase of the geriatric population worldwide. It results from physiologic changes to several laryngeal structures, including the musculature, surrounding cartilage, and lamina propria of the vocal folds. Characterized by glottic insufficiency, dysphonia in the elderly typically presents as a deterioration of voice quality, altered pitch and fundamental frequency, vocal fatigue, and strain. Fortunately, there are multiple treatment options that have proven successful in improving quality of life and restoring vocal stability for these patients.

Keywords: Aging voice; Elderly; Glottic insufficiency; Presbyphonia; Quality of life; Voice disorder.