Date of Award

2012

Degree Name

Communication Disorders

College

College of Health Professions

Type of Degree

M.S.

Document Type

Thesis

First Advisor

Beverly Anawalt Miller

Second Advisor

Mary E. Reynolds

Third Advisor

Karen McComas

Fourth Advisor

Lisa Thomas Fry

Abstract

The purpose of the research was to determine the current practices of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) who treat presbyphonia, deterioration of the voice resulting from age-related changes in the larynx, observed mostly in elderly males. Recent research indicates voice therapy may hold promise for treatment of presbyphonia. However, concern exists for finding the best method of voice therapy for this condition. Several physiologic methods have been shown efficacious in the treatment of voice disorders, yet only one physiologic treatment has been examined in the treatment of presbyphonia. Information about SLPs’ treatment choices will expand the knowledge base of the field. The online survey was emailed to members in the American Speech-Language Hearing Association’s Special Interest Group 3: Voice and Voice Disorders. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to analyze the results of the survey, which indicated that the majority of SLPs who completed the survey use physiologically-based methods to treat presbyphonia. The most commonly identified methods were Vocal Function Exercises and Resonant Voice Therapy.

Subject(s)

Larynx - Aging.

Larynx - Physiology.

Speech therapists - Practice.

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