The application of High-Speed camera (HS), acoustic analysis and Voice Handicap Index (VHI) questionnaire in diagnosis of voice disorders in elderly men

Objective: The process of ageing begins after 60 years of age and is referred to as presbyphonia (Vox senium). The causes include functional or organic voice disorders, often coexisting with dry upper respiratory tract infection. Introduction: The aim of the study is the use of high-speed camera and acoustic voice analysis in diagnostics of the clinical form of presbyphonia. M aterials and methods: The study included a group of 50 men, non-smokers, age from 51 to 72, who do not use their voice professionally. High-Speed Digital Imaging and HS camera have been used, allowing evaluation of real vibrations of vocal folds, along with acoustic voice analysis using a software by DiagNova Technologies. Results: VHI questionnaire has been used for self-assessment of voice disability. Visualizations of the larynx enabled recognition of hypofunctional dysphonia or atrophy of vocal folds that cause voice disorders. This was confirmed by parameters of voice acoustic evaluation: F0, NHR, narrowband spectrography. The pathological value of NHR and the presence of nonharmonic components in the range of high frequency levels indicated glottal insufficiency, recorded with the visualization technique of the larynx by HS camera. A significant shortening of maximum phonation time in relation to the control group has also been recorded. Discussion: The objective examination of voice pathology is crucial in diagnosis and rehabilitation, however, subjective assessment of the patient is important in the scope of the procedure used. The patient’s subjective self-rating assessment (VHI) confirmed the sense of voice disorders in elderly men, indicating the need for rapid and accurate clinical diagnosis.