This is a long-term voice disorder that causes the voice to fluctuate, seize up or sound quivery and strained.
Vocal cord paralysis is more common in the elderly, especially those with a history of stroke or Parkinson’s disease. If the nerve supply to the vocal cords is interrupted, one or both vocal cords may be unable to move properly which will result in a speech disorder. Although gastric reflux usually causes symptoms like heartburn, choking or difficulty swallowing, in some cases hoarseness is the only symptom. This is caused by stomach acid backing up into the throat and spilling over to irritate the vocal cords. A common cause of voice disorders in seniors is esophageal reflux. Laryngitis can also be caused by irritants like tobacco smoke or inhalers that many seniors use for asthma. The most common type of infection is a virus. This voice disorder is the most common cause of hoarseness and occurs when irritation or infection causes the vocal cords to swell. Anything that keeps the cords from moving normally, or distorts their smooth surface, changes the quality of that sound. It is the vibration of the vocal cords touching each other that creates sound. In order to produce a normal voice you need to be able to move your vocal cords back and forth. Having trouble speaking and breathing at the same time.Hoarseness lasting more than several days.
Here are some voice disorder symptoms you should pay attention to:
Most voice disorders in seniors are not life-threatening and can be managed or treated, but some voice changes may be a warning sign of a more serious medical condition. “Voice-related effort and discomfort, combined with increased anxiety and frustration and the need to repeat oneself, were specific areas that adversely affected quality of life.” - The Laryngoscope Symptoms of Voice Disorders in Seniors The study looked at 117 men and women between the ages of 65 and 94 and found that 60 percent of those experiencing a current voice disorder had been affected for over four weeks. As we get older our voices loose strength, range and some quality, but did you know that voice disorders in seniors are quite common and can significantly impact a senior’s quality of life?Ī recent study published in the medical journal Laryngoscope, found that 47 percent of seniors had experienced a voice disorder at some time in the past and that 29 percent reported a current voice disorder. Some changes in a person’s voice are a normal part of aging.