Vocal Fold Vibratory Characteristics of Healthy Geriatric Females—Analysis of High-Speed Digital Images

Objectives/Hypothesis A high proportion of the geriatric population suffers from presbylaryngis and presbyphonia; however, our knowledge of vibratory patterns in this population is almost nonexistent. In this study, we investigate the vocal fold vibratory patterns of healthy elderly females to determine which features or combination of them could best describe the geriatric voices. Study Design Cross-sectional study with 20 elderly healthy females with no history of voice problems. Methods Hilbert transformed glottal area waveforms (GAWs) from serial high-speed digital imaging of sustained phonation are used to provide quantitative measures of glottal vibratory characteristics and perturbations; open quotient, jitter, and shimmer. Nyquist plots provide interpretable patterns to portray the vibratory characteristics as clear, pressed, breathy, and atypical patterns. Results The GAW from most elderly speakers (50%) showed vibratory characteristics associated with a more pressed voice and higher glottal perturbation values: their Nyquist plot patterns show wide scatterings around the rim of the plot reflecting a much-reduced ability in sustaining vibratory oscillation; these were distinct differences from previously reported data on younger speakers. Qualitative examination revealed more anteriorly placed glottal gaps in the geriatric females. Conclusion These findings have important implications in understanding voice production in the geriatric population and in helping to establish normal perturbation references among female speakers across age.