Changes in Laryngeal Position with Aging

Abstract

Changes in the position of the larynx with aging are reported to influence swallowing. Here, we examined lateral X-ray images of the neck to identify age-related changes in larynx position at rest. Subjects: In total, 258 men and 268 women were examined. Methods: The distance between the highest point of the anterior edge of the third cervical vertebra and the lowest point of the anterior edge of the fifth cervical vertebra, set as a base distance (a), was measured as well as the distances from the level of the highest point of the anterior edge of the third cervical vertebra to the lowest point of the hyoid bone (b), to the anterior commissure (c), and to the lowest point of the thyroid cartilage (d). Ratios of the distances (b), (c), and (d) to distance (a) were compared by sex and age group using Student's T-test. Results: The (c/a) ratio and the (d/a) ratio were significantly lower in men than in women. All three ratios, (b/a), (c/a), and (d/a), increased with age in both men and women. The position of the larynx was significantly lower in men in their forties than in men in their fifties, and similarly, in women in their forties than in women in their sixties. Conclusion: The position of the larynx gradually becomes lower with aging, with notable progression in the forties and beyond.