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Panel Presentations

Laryngology/Broncho-Esophagology

Aging Voice: A Common Problem with Complex Solutions

Monday, October 13, 2025
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT
Location: 139
Disclosure(s):
Adam R. Szymanowski, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Edie R. Hapner, PhD, CCC-SLP:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Dysphonia substantially impacts the quality of life in the aging population. The prevalence of presbyphonia, dysphonia in patients over 65 years of age, impacts more than 30% of this demographic. As the aging population continues to rise globally, improving voice quality in this group will have a far-reaching impact. Given the predictable changes seen in aging vocal folds, treatment centers on improving vocal mechanics to improve voice efficiency and quality; however, it is critical to consider patient comorbidities including pulmonary function, neurodegenerative disorders, and overall frailty. The diagnostic and therapeutic approach for patients with presbyphonia is extremely vague. Frequently, patients with presbyphonia are treated with either voice therapy, vocal fold augmentation, or both. In this session the diagnosis and treatment of presbyphonic patients will be presented using a series of case presentations and video supplements in addition to recently published literature. Panelists will offer expert opinions that guide their practice. Audience comments and questions will also serve as a crucial component to this session.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Participants will be able to diagnose patients with presbyphonia and identify contributing comorbidities.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Participants will be able to determine the optimal treatment plan for patients with presbyphonia.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Participants will be able to analyze recent literature to better support their treatment plan.

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: The aging population is growing faster than any other demographic. Presbyphonic patients present regularly to comprehensive otolaryngologists and laryngologists. This session will provide practical advice using recently published literature and expert opinions.

Comprehensive Otolaryngology Track Statement :

    Moderator(s)

  • AS

    Adam R. Szymanowski, MD

    Assistant Professor
    Baylor College of Medicine
    Houston, TX, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Panelist(s)

  • EH

    Edie R. Hapner, PhD, CCC-SLP

    Professor, Co-Director UAB Voice Center, Director of Hearing and Speech
    University of Alabama at Birmingham
    Birmingham, AL, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

  • William Z. Gao, MD

    Co-Director, UChicago Voice Center
    University of Chicago
    Chicago, IL, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.