Most seniors not taking voice problems seriously
I have patients all the time who come to my office complaining of some illness. As they're explaining the problem, often in a low, raspy voice, I find myself inching closer and closer just to hear them. These appointments often end the same way. "Sure, I can help you," I tell them, "and we're going to take care of your voice, too."
They're shocked, because many seniors are under the mistaken belief that there's nothing that can be done about voice problems that develop as they age.
A new study out of Duke looked at people over 80 and found that almost 20 percent had dysphonia (weakness of voice or hoarseness) and 14 percent had dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).
Some of my patients with these problems have been hesitant to get treatment, thinking that these conditions were a normal part of aging. In fact, most subjects in Duke study had not asked for treatment and weren't even aware that such treatments existed.
Some forms of dysphonia are connected with nervous system problems. In other cases, it's hereditary or caused by stress from an upper respiratory infection.
With dysphagia, simple muscle exercises can bring about real improvement. At any rate, if you're dealing with a voice problem, don't be embarrassed and don't feel helpless. It's not normal, it's not part of aging, and you and your doctor can do something about it.
