Abstract
Age-related structural and functional changes to the aerodigestive tract can affect breathing, swallowing, and voice. Not only can these changes can shape an individual’s quality of life, they can, ultimately, be life-threatening. Looking at the voice specifically, changes to the subglottal and supraglottal airways influence vocal fold vibration by producing major bifurcations in the vibration regime. These bifurcations are evidenced in the voice by aphonic segments, subharmonic or side-band frequencies, frequency jumps, and chaotic vibration. The increased occurrence of these bifurcations can, in turn, may indicate age related changes in the vocal folds. The current study examines age-related changes in voice production in two individuals spanning 48–98 y/o and 52–90 y/o. Previous studies revealed changes in breath rate and pitch begin between the ages of 68–74 y/o, indicating a fundamental change in the body’s maintenance of the speech mechanism. Voice breaks and bobbles are shown to correspond with this change. These voice breaks, along with the increased voice pitch previously reported, may indicate an interaction of the subglottal and supraglottal airway and an increased weakness of the vocal folds. Weakened vocal folds could also indicate compromised swallowing and airway protection mechanisms.
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