Prevalence of voice disorders in the elderly: a systematic review of population-based studies

Abstract

Voice disorders can occur in the elderly as a result of natural anatomical and physiological changes or greater exposure to pathological conditions in the aging, affecting communication and quality of life. Nevertheless, data about the prevalence of voice disorders in this phase of life are not well known in a population-based perspective. The aim of the present systematic review was to identify the prevalence of vocal disorders in persons aged 60 years or more in population-based studies. A systematic review was undertaken in eleven electronic databases based on preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis statement (PRISMA) criteria. The methodological quality of the studies was analyzed with strengthening the reporting of observational studies in epidemiology (STROBE) directives. The search was conducted independently by two researchers. Four articles satisfied the criteria of eligibility. The prevalence of vocal disorders in the general population aged 60 years or more ranged from 4.8 to 29.1%. The studies were different in terms of the methodological procedures and the STROBE directives were not completely satisfied by any of the articles selected. The prevalence of vocal disorders in the general elderly population ranged from low to moderate in population-based studies. The methodological discrepancies of the studies compromised the reliability of the estimated data. Upgrading the methodological quality of studies and designing a short, valid and easy-to-use functional voice-related instrument are urgently required in health surveys to determine the prevalence of vocal disorders among elderly individuals.

Voice and ageing: clinical, endoscopic and acoustic investigation

“…Other frequent symptoms included voice projection difficulties and decrease in vocal range. These symptoms were more important between 60 and 75 years than above 75 years, what may be explained by the fewer social activities of the latter group, as also observed by other authors. Gregory et al .…”

“…In this study, 112 elderly patients of both genders were accrued, out of which 40 did not meet the inclusion criteria. Of the remaining 72, hoarseness was reported by 34.72% and this percentage is higher than that pointed by other studies that range from 4 to 29%. Other frequent symptoms included voice projection difficulties and decrease in vocal range.…”

“…The aged voice shows several changes consequent to natural and physiological events that occur in senescence. Presbyphonia may affect 4.8%–29.1% of senior people. The most frequent vocal symptoms are hoarseness, low voice intensity, voice tremor and singing difficulties.…”

Aging voice and the laryngeal muscle atrophy

“…The etiology is multifactorial, including natural anatomical and physiological changes. A systematic review of the prevalence of voice disorders in subjects older than 60 years included only four articles, which identified vocal disorders in 4.8% to 29.1% of such individuals …”

Is a voice‐specific instrument more indicative of stroboscopy results than common clinical queries?

“…Dysphonia affects 3% to 9% of the population and is associated with worse physical, emotional, and social health, as well as reduced economic status . Given this substantial impact, voice symptoms typically warrant timely diagnosis and management .…”