Assessment of phonatory function by the airway interruption method: age-related changes.

Abstract

In order to ascertain age-related changes in phonatory function, an aerodynamic phonatory function test based on the airway interruption method was conducted. Subjects were 142 men and 144 women aged between 20 and 79 years. No subjects demonstrated abnormalities of sound quality. The test was conducted using the Nagashima PS77E phonatory function analyzer. Subjects were instructed to phonate at the most comfortable pitch and intensity, and fundamental frequency (F0), sound pressure level (SPL), mean flow rate (MFR), expiratory lung pressure (EP), and airway resistance were determined. F0 was lower among women aged > or =50 years. EP was lower for women aged > or =70 years than for those in other age groups. For both genders, airway resistance was lower for those aged > or =70 years when compared to other age groups. Among women, F0 was lower aged > or =50 years. In advanced age, EP and airway pressure decreased among women and airway resistance decreased among men. C-4.