Método intensivo de terapia vocal para idosos

Abstract

The aim of this study is to describe the results of intensive voice therapy in a presbyphonia case and to propose a voice treatment program for the elderly by demonstrating vocal quality, quality of life and laryngeal image results. The Voice Therapy for the Elderly (VTE) program consisted of a sequence of exercises that aimed at increasing intensity, pneumo-articulatory coordination, mucosal vibration and resonance balance, and increasing frequency variation and control. The therapeutic model in question was applied to an 87-year-old female subject with complaints of a weak voice and difficulty to be heard by others. This therapy program was applied with an intensive approach over 16 sessions, 30 minutes each session, four times a week, with assigned homework. The intensive voice therapy format demonstrated positive effects on vocal quality with an overall reduction in voice deviation, breathiness, and roughness on sustained phonation and speech. Vocal performance improvement showed a subsequent increase in the physical and general aspects of voice-related quality of life. There was also improvement in glottic closure. Voice treatment via the VTE method, with an intensive approach revealed to be positive in the treatment of presbyphonia and can potentially promote benefits for the elderly in terms of voice quality, voice-related quality of life, and laryngeal changes.