Larynx plays an important role in phonation and protection of respiratory tract during swallowing. The reduced anatomical and physiological function in elevation of larynx and glottis closure can cause the problem in voice and swallowing. The present ...
Larynx plays an important role in phonation and protection of respiratory tract during swallowing. The reduced anatomical and physiological function in elevation of larynx and glottis closure can cause the problem in voice and swallowing. The present study investigated the Korean version of handicap index of voice and dysphagia in Korean eldery. Therefore, 60 normal Korean elderly ranged from 65 to 95 and 20 normal Korean young adults aged from 20 to 25 were participated in this study to comparing total(T), physical (P), functional (F), and Emotional(E) index scores between two groups as well as among sub groups (60s, 70s, 80s) in elderly. In addition, relationship between total voice handicap index(VHI) and laryngeal diadochokinesis(L-DDK) was observed. For swallowing, total and sub dysphagia handicap index (DHI) scores, voice quality during /a/phonation following swallowing (saliva and water), intensity of coughing, and L-DDK.
The results showed that functional(P), physical(P), emotional(E) scores as well as total(T) score were significantly different between young adults and old adults for both VHI and DHI. Old adults showed positive correlation between voice handicap index and dysphagia handicap index, and negative correlations between voice handicap index and L-DDK(r=-.60). Also, negative correlation between total DHI score and intensity of coughing(r=-.51) as well as L-DDK(r=-.70). This findings suggest that the slow coordination of larynx during phonation and swallowing and reduced intensity of coughing affects the phonation and swallowing. Thus, recently translated Korean version of dysphagia handicap index is useful in evaluating the swallowing disorders in elderly.