What is an aging voice (presbyphonia)?
Like other organs and tissues in the body, the larynx and vocal cords (vocal folds) also age. The aging voice (presbyphonia) results from two main age-related changes in the structure and function of the vocal cords. First, the muscles that make up the vocal cords, like other muscles in the body, lose mass — a process called physiological atrophy. Second, the tissues that provide elasticity during vocal cord vibration lose quality, becoming thinner and stiffer, and so lose their flexibility. Because of this atrophy and loss of elasticity, the function of the vocal cords and the quality of their closure are negatively affected. The resulting changes are perceived by the ear as an aged voice.
What are the symptoms of presbyphonia?
There is no standard timeline for voice changes associated with aging. In some individuals these changes may occur at a very early age, while in others they develop later. The changes can be roughly described as the voice becoming more high-pitched, breathy and rough than before. The resonance characteristics of the voice are reduced and limitations in projection occur. People often report that a voice which was previously rich, clear and able to carry over other sounds — such as in a crowded room, in traffic noise or against background music — has changed.
How is voice change due to aging treated? How can a more satisfying voice be achieved?
It is very important to determine that voice changes due to aging are not caused by any other condition. For this purpose, distal chip flexible endoscopy or videolaryngostroboscopy should be performed. Once the correct diagnosis has been made, voice problems can be fully addressed with voice therapy and surgical interventions on the vocal cords, such as injection laryngoplasty or phonomicrosurgery.
