Research Review: Prevalence of Presbyphonia in Older Adults With Dysphonia
As voice clinicians, we strive to understand the various factors that affect voice function. A key topic when working with older adults is the impact of aging on the voice, commonly known as presbyphonia or presbylaryngis. This month, we’re examining the study Prevalence of Presbyphonia in Older Adults with Dysphonia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, published in the American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. This review explores how common presbyphonia is among older adults who experience voice problems and aims to clarify whether it is the main cause of dysphonia in this population.
Link to the open-access research article can be found here.
Introduction to the Study
The systematic review and meta-analysis, led and written by Fei-Chun Chang and colleagues, assessed how often presbyphonia occurs in older adults with dysphonia. Given the global increase in the aging population, understanding the specific causes of voice changes in older adults is crucial for improving accurate assessment and intervention. The review analyzed data from 11 studies, encompassing a total of 2,887 participants aged 60 and older, to see how frequently presbyphonia is identified as the cause of their voice issues.
Key Findings
The analysis revealed that presbyphonia accounts for about 17.78% of voice disorders in older adults. This is an important finding because it shows that while presbyphonia is a significant concern, it is not the only cause of dysphonia in this age group. The study also noted that the reported prevalence of presbyphonia varied depending on the criteria used in the studies, with higher rates seen in studies that had stricter inclusion criteria.
Implications for Clinical Practice
Avoid Default Diagnoses: These findings underscore the importance of not automatically assuming presbyphonia is the cause of voice problems in older adults.
Importance of Laryngeal Evaluations: It’s essential to conduct thorough laryngeal exams and consider other potential causes to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Comprehensive Assessments: This study advocates for a detailed approach in evaluating older adults with dysphonia, emphasizing the need to explore other possible causes before attributing symptoms solely to age-related changes.
Conclusion
This review highlights that while presbyphonia is a concern among older adults, it is not the leading cause of dysphonia. Clinicians should keep an open mind when assessing older adults and consider a wide range of potential causes. Future research and clinical practices should continue to differentiate between age-related voice changes and other underlying conditions to provide the best care for our aging population.
We encourage you to read the full article and consider how the findings might influence your approach to working with older adults that experience voice changes. Incorporating evidence-based research into your practice not only enhances your professional development but also ensures that your clients receive the most informed and effective treatments.
Stay tuned for more research reviews and resources to support your practice!
