Self-perceived voice problems in a nontreatment seeking older population in Hong Kong

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of self-perceived voice problems and voice-related quality of life in a nontreatment seeking older population in Hong Kong.

Study Design: Prospective, cross-sectional survey.

Methods: One hundred and one older individuals aged 65 years or above were recruited from senior citizen community centers in Hong Kong. Each participant received a face-to-face interview with the researcher. The participants were asked to report the presence of voice problems and the voice symptoms that they experienced. They were also asked to complete the Cantonese version of the Voice Handicap Index to ascertain their voice-related quality of life.

Results: Over one-fourth (27.7%) of participants reported having current voice problems. Perceived voice problems were found to pose significant negative impacts on the older individuals’ voice-related quality of life. The prevalence of voice problems and extent of impacts of voice-related quality of life were similar across the young-old, old-old, and the oldest-old groups of participants.

Conclusion: The results suggest that voice problems are common in the older population and should not be underestimated. The study urges the need to allocate more resources to provide voice-related services from the young-old group for promoting positive aging.