Like other age groups, hoarseness in the elderly is also common. Some of these changes are normal, but some of them are a warning sign of a disease. Age affects all parts of the body, including the voice. Surely you have noticed that you can roughly guess someone’s age from the phone. Although this is not common and young people may have an old voice or vice versa, aging causes changes in the larynx that ordinary people also notice and this is considered normal.
Of course, it should be known that these changes are gradual and do not cause any problems, but the problem of the elderly in changing their voice or speech is not always normal and sometimes it is so severe that it leads the elderly to the doctor’s office. Sometimes it is very sudden and causes fear for the elderly or those around them. In case of hoarseness in elderly or persistent or sudden speech in the elderly, the cause of the change should be considered. In this article from humanhealthmag, we will explain the causes and treatment methods of hoarseness in adults.
Symptoms of Hoarseness in Seniors
In old age, a person may experience voice disorders. Especially if they occur with other problems and diseases such as Parkinson’s or MS. Some Hoarseness in Elderly is not normal. These abnormal changes can be a sign of a specific disease. There are symptoms that can be a warning sign for hoarseness in older adults. The most important symptoms of voice disorders in the elderly are:
- Frequent throat clearing
- Neck pain while speaking
- Excessive shortness of breath while speaking
- Hearing the sound of breathing while speaking
- Any change in voice that is accompanied by swelling in the neck area.
- Hoarseness that has lasted more than two weeks.
- Any change in voice that is accompanied by difficulty swallowing and coughing.
- Any change in voice that is accompanied by unexpected weight loss.
Causes of Hoarseness in Elderly Patients
Various diseases and injuries can cause hoarseness in the elderly. In this section, we will mention the most common causes of voice disorders in the elderly:
- Hearing loss: One of the factors that affects the voice and speech of an elderly person is the occurrence of functional disorders in various parts of the body (especially the ear). Elderly people at this age usually do not have good hearing. In order to be able to hear themselves better and to make sure that their voice reaches the ears of those around them, they try to speak louder. Constant shouting causes raspy voice in elderly. This can also cause social isolation of seniors.
- A mass in the larynx: Tumors in and around the larynx are more common in older people. Elderly people should examine their neck and larynx from time to time and see a doctor as soon as possible if they notice a new mass. Of course, tumors inside the larynx usually cause changes in the voice. If the elderly person has a voice disorder for more than 2 weeks, the larynx should be examined and those around the elderly should be aware of the sensitivity of this issue.
- Weak vocal cords: Sometimes the elderly have difficulty speaking and producing sound. Of course, there is no particular problem in the examinations, but due to being in a polluted environment such as living in big cities, an incorrect lifestyle throughout life, etc., they may have problems with their vocal cords. Usually, the vocal cords of these elderly people are loose and droopy. Speech therapy is recommended for these people.
- Laryngeal diseases: Another factor that can cause hoarseness in elderly is diseases that affect the larynx and vocal cords. These diseases often occur from middle age onwards, and sometimes even this problem and disease affects the elderly person mentally. Diseases such as Parkinson’s, reflux, Alzheimer’s and neurological diseases increase the number of elderly people with speech and voice disorders.
- Salivary gland dysfunction: Some elderly people have salivary gland dysfunction. This problem also causes hoarseness in the elderly and may significantly change the type of voice. When saliva decreases, the mucous cells of the larynx do not secrete mucus (a fluid secreted by mucous cells), and the person experiences a dry larynx and a change in voice.
- Allergy or sensitivity: Hoarseness when speaking is more common in the elderly. Usually, these people have allergies (sensitivities), which, along with dryness and air pollution, increase secretions in the back of the throat, and the body’s natural reaction to prevent this dryness follows. This causes more and thicker mucus to be secreted, which causes discomfort. For this reason, a person must cough several times to clear their voice before speaking.
Treatment Methods for Hoarseness in the Elderly
The hoarseness in a person’s voice is caused by inflammation in the larynx, which can be caused by a number of factors such as respiratory tract infection, irritation due to tobacco and air pollution. This disorder usually takes 2 to 3 weeks to return to its original state. This condition may in some cases lead to aggression in the elderly. Now, the treatment methods for hoarseness in adults are as follows:
- Give your larynx a rest and use it less: When your larynx becomes inflamed and your voice becomes hoarse, the first treatment is to not use your larynx too much and give it a rest and talk less. Antibiotic use among geriatric is very common in this situation.
- Avoid stimulants: Irritants such as cigarette smoke can increase your larynx inflammation, so if you are a smoker, avoid it for a while. Also, avoid alcoholic beverages and do not stay in polluted environments.
- Drinking fluids to treat hoarseness: Another home remedy for sudden hoarseness in elderly is to drink plenty of fluids. Fluids can prevent dehydration. If you drink fluids and warm drinks, it will be much more effective in treating hoarseness.
- Drug treatment for hoarseness in the elderly: If the hoarseness in your voice is caused by an infection, you can use anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetaminophen.
- Using a steam machine: A steam machine in the room you are in can humidify the air, and when you inhale this air, it can be effective for hoarseness in older adults and relieve inflammation of the larynx.
- Use ginger: Ginger oil has many therapeutic properties that are one of the home remedies for hoarseness seniors and can create moisture in the larynx. Try to use it as a smoke and inhale it.
- Treating hoarseness with salt water: Mix a glass of water with salt and gargle it in your mouth. Salt can heal the tissues that are inflamed in the larynx. Repeat this several times a day.
- Honey: Honey, which is most commonly used as a medicine, can remove the secretion created in the throat mucus that leads to coughing. Its syrup also treats hoarseness in elderly and relieves inflammation of the larynx.
Concluding Remarks
Hoarseness in the elderly is seen as in other age groups. The structure of the larynx and vocal cords in this age group changes over time. People around them and the elderly themselves notice this change and its effect on the voice. Some of these changes are normal, but some of them can be a warning sign of a specific problem or disease. The things we have mentioned above can all eliminate this problem.
Making some lifestyle changes can also help improve voice disorders in the elderly. For example, quitting smoking, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and staying hydrated can all help improve voice health. It is important for older people to seek medical care if they experience any changes in their voice, as early intervention can improve outcomes. A speech therapist can help determine the underlying cause of the voice disorder and recommend appropriate treatment options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Causes a Weak Voice in Seniors?
It is common for seniors to experience vocal fatigue and changes in voice quality. This may include changes in how loud or soft their voice is. In most cases, this is just a normal part of aging, as the vocal cords need to be able to contract and vibrate evenly to function effectively.
What are the Causes of a Hoarse Voice?
The most common causes of hoarseness are acute laryngitis and upper respiratory tract infections. The underlying cause of hoarseness is usually diagnosed by a doctor based on the patient’s medical history and physical examination. Hoarseness is usually caused by a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract.
What Causes Hoarseness After Quitting Smoking?
Hoarseness is a side effect of smoking. Since smoking causes chronic coughing, it puts pressure on the vocal cords and increases mucus. In smokers, the body’s immune system attacks the chemicals in tobacco smoke and destroys their effect. This process causes chronic laryngitis and inflammation and swelling of the vocal cords. Quitting smoking eliminates this condition and its positive effect can be seen after a few weeks.