The Voice and Aging

The Voice and Aging

As you age, you will notice changes on the inside just as you see changes on the outside. The most dramatic voice changes occur during childhood and adolescence as the larynx, or voice box, and vocal cord tissues mature. These changes are particularly noticeable among boys due to the characteristic pitch breaks and voice “cracking” that occurs as their bodies adjust to these changes.

What you may not realize is that your voice can also change in the later years of your life. As you age, you lose muscle mass, your mucous membranes become thinner and drier, and you lose some of your fine coordination. When these changes occur in the larynx, you may notice changes in your voice. These changes are sometimes referred to as vocal cord atrophy or bowing, presbyphonia, or presbylaryngis.

How Aging Affects Your Voice

These are some of the characteristics you may notice in your changing voice:

  • Higher pitched voice for men
  • Lower pitched voice for women
  • Reduced volume and projection of your voice (sometimes called a “thin” voice)
  • Reduced vocal endurance
  • Difficulty speaking loudly
  • Tremor or shakiness in your voice

These symptoms may appear amplified by the reduced hearing ability that is common among older peers.

What You Can Do to Keep Your Voice Healthy

Just as staying physically active keeps your body in shape, keeping vocally fit can help maintain a healthy voice. You may consult a voice therapist or vocal coach about recommended vocal exercises, but there are many things you can do at home on your own to keep your voice active.

You may consider doing the following:

  • Read a book or the newspaper aloud for 10 to 15 minutes two to three times a day
  • Sing along to the radio
  • Recite a favorite poem
  • Hum a familiar tune

What to Do if Your Voice is Changing

Although many changes to your voice can occur due to natural aging, it is highly recommended that you seek the advice of a medical specialist to rule out medical causes and reduce risk of further damage to your voice. Most voice problems are highly treatable.

Many patients benefit from voice therapy and vocal exercises with a speech-language pathologist. Your doctor may also recommend medical or surgical treatments to improve the steadiness, strength or endurance of your voice. Recommended treatment options will depend on your health and the underlying cause of the changes in your voice.

If you notice changes in your voice, it is highly recommended that you schedule an appointment with an ear, nose and throat specialist. Call us today at 404.257.1589 (Atlanta) or 770.777.1100 (Alpharetta), or book an appointment with us online now.

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