The aging larynx: An anatomical perspective

Abstract

There has been a striking increase in the geriatric population worldwide over the last few decades. As the aging process continues to alter functioning of all body systems, the human voice is also significantly affected. The senile voice is characterized by its changes in pitch, hoarseness, tremulousness, and breathiness with reduced harmonics and intensity. Such phonatory changes in the elderly may hinder effective communication, thus bringing down their confidence levels and impairing their quality of life. These characteristic features that distinguish the senile voice from younger speakers are accompanied by age-related changes in the organ of phonation, the larynx. The summative morphological and structural changes occurring in the elderly larynx have been referred to as “Presbylarynx.” The present review article is an attempt by the authors to explore the various anatomical age-related changes occurring in the larynx that may be responsible for altered vocal function in the elderly. An improved understanding of the anatomical basis of the aged voice can give further directions into the management of vocal disorders and improved speech performance in the elderly.

Keywords

• aging larynx
• phonation
• vocal folds