AGE AND LARYNGEAL AIRWAY-RESISTANCE DURING VOWEL PRODUCTION IN WOMEN

An investigation was conducted to determine if laryngeal valving economy, as reflected in measures of laryngeal airway resistance during vowel production, differs with age in women. Seventy healthy women were studied, 10 each at age 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, and 85 years. Results indicated that laryngeal airway resistance did not differ significantly with age, although it was noted that the 45-year-old women generally had lower laryngeal airway resistance values. This pattern of function differs from that observed in men (Melcon, Hoit, & Hixon, 1989). Discussion of findings includes consideration of factors that might influence laryngeal function during speech production in women. Clinical implications are offered.