Age and laryngeal airway resistance during vowel production.

An investigation was conducted to determine if laryngeal valving economy, as reflected in measures of laryngeal airway resistance during vowel production, varies across adulthood. Sixty healthy men were studied, 10 from each of six age groups--25, 35, 45, 55, 65, and 75 years (+/- 2 years). Results indicated that there are age-related differences in laryngeal airway resistance during vowel production and that these differences are characterized by a lower mean resistance in 75-year-old men than in younger men of the ages studied. This finding provides insight into the impact of age on laryngeal function and has important implications for the evaluation and management of men with voice disorders.