Presbylaryngeus

Presbylaryngeus means “aging voice,” and is thought to be a voice disorder that develops during normal processes of laryngeal aging of the larynx, including decreased breathing efficiency, loss of elasticity of the vocal fold cover, and possibly deterioration of the tone of the vocal fold body. Also, during the aging process, the supple cartilages of the larynx become more rigid and bone-like. The effects on voice due to these aging changes is usually decreased loudness, pitch wavering, and decreased voice quality. Presbylaryngeus appears to begin after the age of 65, and may be forestalled in aging speakers in excellent physical condition and/or speakers who have professional voice training and have remained active vocal users. Voice rehabilitative therapy may improve voice quality dramatically in patients with presbylaryngeus unassociated with other medical problems.