The Changes and Characteristics of Acoustic Parameters with Aging in Korean

Kim, Hyung Tae; Cho, Seung Ho; Youn, Sung Moon; Sun, Dong Il; Kim, Min Sik

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
A number of studies have found that anatomic and physiological changes of the larynx with advancing age result in reduced control of the phonatory mechanism in elderly individuals. Although vocal signs of senescence are a small reflection of involution, it is important to understand the effects of normal aging on voice by differentiating changes precipitated by aging from those precipitated by physical abnormalities. The purposes of this study are to investigate the characteristics and examine the normative reference of the acoustic parameters with aging in Koreans.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The acoustic measurements in 300 normal persons of all age groups without laryngeal and audiological problems were assessed by multi-dimensional voice program (MDVP) 4305, KAY Elemetrics Corp., NJ, USA), and the changes due to advancing age were analysed.
RESULTS
Fundamental frequency in women decreased with advanced age but it was noted with stability in men as they aged. Frequency stability decreased with advanced age in Koreans; amplitude stability decreased in men but not in woman. The normative reference of acoustic parameters in all age groups was also discussed.
CONCLUSION
It may be suggested that the different normal thresholds for evaluating acoustic parameter in normal voice should be adjusted in different age groups in Korean.