Presbyphonia is a voice disorder resulting from age related physiological changes to the structures of the larynx. Changes include decreased mass and elasticity of the laryngeal muscles, muscle rigidity, stiffness of the joints and the cartilages, reduced blood flow, and decreased or changed secretion of mucous. These changes are associated with symptoms of a weak and breathy voice, pitch instability, reduced loudness, strain and vocal fatigue.
Presbyphonia usually impacts people who are over the age of 65. The onset of the condition might be delayed in individuals who have engaged in vocal training and maintained regular vocal use. On the contrary, those who have engaged in limited vocal use or who have reduced their vocal use with ageing may increase the likelihood of developing presbyphonia, bring its onset forward or exacerbate the condition and its symptoms.
Treatment
Voice therapy can be helpful in improving symptoms, functional capacity and quality of life in individuals affected by presbyphonia. Voice therapy uses a similar premise to exercised based prevention and treatment regimes of other age related diseases.
For more information on voice therapy please visit our voice therapy page. If you are looking for voice therapy treatment of a presbyphonia please contact us to book an appointment with our Speech Pathologist.
