Presbylaryngis Vocal Fold Atrophy Johns Hopkins Medicine
Presbylaryngis Vocal Fold Atrophy Johns Hopkins Medicine COVID-19 Updates Masks are required inside all of our care facilities. We are vaccinating all eligible patients. Learn more: Vaccines, Boosters & Additional Doses Testing Patient Care Visitor Guidelines Coronavirus Email Alerts Find more COVID-19 testing locations on Maryland.gov. CloseSearch Submit Search Popular Searches coronavirus careers medical records map insurance accepted telemedicine Menu Health Presbylaryngis Vocal Fold Atrophy Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Share on Pinterest Share via Email Print this Page Featured Expert: Dr. Simon Best, M.D. What is presbylaryngis As we age, muscle begins to atrophy. The vocal cords are composed of several important layers of tissue, but the fullness and shape of the vocal folds comes from the vocal cord muscle. Age-related vocal cord changes may include loss of volume and bowing (inward curvature) of the vocal cord inner edges, a condition termed presbylaryngis or presbyphonia. This may lead to a gap between the vocal cords during speaking, and other muscles may subsequently squeeze more tightly to compensate for reduced vocal cord closure. Other age-related changes to voice may be related to changes in hormones or mucous glands. What are the symptoms of presbylaryngis Voice changes due to vocal cord atrophy are common in people over the age of 60 years. The most common symptoms include: Reduced vocal volume Higher pitched voice Breathy, "thin" sound Increased speaking effort Vocal fatigue Difficulty communicating with friends and family (especially with noise in the background or on the telephone) Presbylaryngis Treatment If you are diagnosed with vocal cord atrophy or presbylaryngis, voice therapy with a speech-language pathologist is the most common treatment. By focusing on improved vocal technique and better breath support, many people experience improvement in vocal volume, quality and endurance. In some cases, your treatment team will discuss with you whether or not vocal cord augmentation is appropriate. This involves the injection of filler into one or both vocal cords to achieve straighter vocal cord edges and allow better vocal cord closure. Our experts have special expertise in performing this procedure in the clinic under local anesthesia. Johns Hopkins Division of Laryngology We offer personalized and comprehensive treatment plans for patients with voice, swallowing, and complex airway disorders. You will benefit from laryngologists who have vast experience in treating these disorders and can provide patients top-notch care. Learn more about the Johns Hopkins Division of Laryngology Find a Doctor Specializing In: Diseases of the Ear Nose Diseases of the Throat in Children At Another Johns Hopkins Member Hospital: Johns Hopkins Division of Laryngology Howard County General Hospital Sibley Memorial Hospital Suburban Hospital Find a Treatment Center Pediatric Otolaryngology (ENT) Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Find Additional Treatment Centers at: Howard County General Hospital Sibley Memorial Hospital Suburban Hospital Related Is Vocal Fry Ruining My Voice? Ear Infections in Babies and Toddlers Vocal Cord Dysfunction Vocal Cord Cancer Request an Appointment Find a Doctor Find a Doctor See More Related Ear, Nose and Throat Is Vocal Fry Ruining My Voice? Pediatric Ear Infections in Babies and Toddlers Ear, Nose and Throat Vocal Cord Dysfunction Related Topics