Phonatory Aerodynamics of Reading: Effects of Age and Sex

Abstract

Objectives: The main purpose of this study is to explore phonatory aerodynamic differences during reading based on age and sex. Methods: Normophonic Turkish speaking adults, identified using the GRBAS and Voice Handicap Index-10, were divided into three age categories: 18-39 years (n = 54), 40-59 years (n = 47), and 60 years and older (n = 32). Aerodynamic analysis was performed using the KayPentax Phonatory Aerodynamic System Model 6600, “Running Speech” protocol. Participants were instructed to read a standard reading passage. Parameters analyzed included the number of inspirations, phonation time, expiratory airflow duration, inspiratory airflow duration, and mean phonatory airflow during voicing. Mann-Whitney U tests were used for sex comparisons, while Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for age group comparisons, with Bonferroni corrections applied to both analyses. Accordingly, Brown-Forsythe test was used for searching sex and age differences. Results: Significant differences were observed in parameters of number of inspiration, expiratory airflow duration, and inspiratory airflow duration across age groups. Reading time and expiratory airflow duration increased with age, while inspiratory airflow duration was higher in the older age group compared to the middle and younger age groups. Mean phonatory airflow was the only parameter that varied by sex. Conclusions: The findings suggest that respiratory-laryngeal compensations help maintain stable airflow values throughout aging. In future studies, spontaneous speech may provide more ecologically valid results concerning phonatory aerodynamics. © 2025 The Voice Foundation