Elderly people often experience voice and swallowing problems and, more often than not, these bothersome problems are accepted as a normal part of the aging process and remain untreated.

These study findings were presented today in Chicago at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery Foundation, the largest yearly gathering of ear, nose and throat specialists.

In a cross-sectional study of 248 octogenarians living independently in two retirement communities, Drs. Seth M. Cohen and Richard Turley from Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, found that nearly 20 percent had “dysphonia” - the medical term for hoarseness, weakness or loss of voice.

Roughly 14 percent had painful or difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) and 6 percent had both dysphonia and dysphagia. The average age of study participants was 82 years.

The results also show that voice and swallowing problems harm quality of life, with those afflicted reporting increased symptoms of depression, anxiety and social withdrawal.

Only one in five of those with dysphonia or dysphagia had sought treatment, although more than half expressed an interest in treatment. Half of those surveyed were unaware that their voice and swallowing problems could be treated and a substantial number viewed these conditions as a normal part of aging.

“Our results highlight the need for better education of the general public and primary care providers” about the signs, symptoms and treatment options for voice and swallowing disorders, Cohen said in a Duke University-issued statement.

“We know these problems have a significant impact on quality-of-life and obtaining appropriate treatment can make a big difference,” Cohen said.

NEW YORK (Reuters Health)