Voice function and voice-related quality of life in the elderly.

Background: Many studies have referred to the effects of age on voice and the consequences of these changes. However, only little is known about the adverse effects of voice changes on quality of life in the elderly.

Objective: This study focuses on self-perception of voice in seniors as assessed by the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) questionnaire, on voice quality as measured by the Dysphonia Severity Index (DSI) and on the correlation between these parameters.

Methods: V-RQOL and DSI were measured as previously described in 107 non-treatment-seeking test persons without voice complaints (76 women and 31 men; mean age 78.7 ± 6.8 years, range 66-94 years).

Results: The mean V-RQOL value was 94.4 ± 9.8%. The mean value of the DSI in all participants was 1.2 ± 2.4. There was no significant correlation between the V-RQOL and DSI, either in women (p = 0.11), men (p = 0.58) or the whole study group (p = 0.26).

Conclusion: Both the V-RQOL questionnaire and the DSI may be applied to seniors. As self-perception of voice and voice function do not correlate, both parameters have to be measured for voice assessment.