The senile patients with laryngeal diseases were subjected to phonatory and respiratory function studies. Each patient was examined laryngologically and phoniatrically. The patients were divided into two groups, according to the changes observed in the larynx: as edema and atrophy of the vocal folds. These studies included phonation time (MPT), mean flow rate (MFR), phonation volume (PV), phonatio quotient (PQ), vocal velocity index (VVI) and spirometric investigations. Five physiologic criteria are recommended to establish on objective evaluation of laryngeal function under clinical condition (MPT, MFR, PV, PQ, VVI). The studies confirm the clinical importance of objective and quantitative measures of laryngeal function.