Did you realise how your voice changes as you become an adult and may change even further as you age?
The pitch of a person’s voice depends largely on how tightly the vocal cord muscles contract as the air from the lungs hits them!
When You Go Through Puberty, Your Voice Deepens.
A child’s voice is high because the larynx (voice box) is small and the vocal cords are short, thin, and tight.
As they go through puberty, the larynx grows, and the vocal cords lengthen and thicken, so the voice deepens!
Have voice cracks? It means you’re growing and it will get better as you get used to your voice box! 😃
Men’s voices often deepen up to an octave, while women’s voices usually move about three tones lower due to the lengthening and thickening of the vocal cords to be deeper and resonant!
Besides your voice deepening, there’s also an increase in volume and resonance as your cords become more efficient at producing sound!
Ageing Changes The Pitch Of The Voice!
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As you grow older, the vocal cords become thinner, and the cartilage of the larynx becomes harder and less flexible which alters your voice.
Older men might experience higher pitch change and vice versa for women. Moreover, the changes in the muscles of an elderly person may result in vocal tremors that are weak and quavering.
Changes in the torso, such as the development of a stooped posture or the lessening of lung capacity, can reduce the volume of air flowing through the larynx, further altering the voice.
Many people experience vocal changes as they age, but not everyone’s voice changes in the same way. 🤷
Understanding Vocal Changes
Lower volume, lower resonance, and getting tired more quickly are all common vocal changes that people experience as they age.
Tremors or shakiness, weakness, and vocal fatigue are also possible.
Most of the time, these changes are completely normal. However, if your voice changes as you age and it bothers you, there are special exercises and potential treatments that can help. 💪
Why Do Voices Change As We Grow Older?
Lack of flexibility, vocal fatigue, and medical issues are all potential reasons why voices change as people age.
As you age, some of the mechanisms of your “voice box” can lose flexibility. This alters the tone and pitch of your voice.
Vocal fatigue can also cause changes in the voice, as the muscles of the vocal cords and voice box naturally lose mass over time.
Medical issues may also affect the voice, such as neurological conditions, polyps, nodules, or cancer. If you suspect that your vocal changes are caused by a medical issue, it’s important to visit your doctor.
💡TIP: Go for a medical check-up at least once a year to know what’s happening in your body.
Better safe than sorry! 😟
Diagnosing and Treating Vocal Issues
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If your doctor diagnoses you with a medical issue affecting your voice, they may recommend treatment.
Depending on the issue, treatments may include exercises to strengthen your voice, microsurgery, injections, or a vocal fold implant.
A doctor will perform a physical examination, take your medical history, and review your symptoms to diagnose you.
They will also examine your vocal cords and larynx using a flexible or rigid laryngoscope. A doctor inserts this device through your mouth or nose to get a good look at your vocal tissue. 👁️
They may also conduct a video stroboscopy exam, which is similar to a laryngoscope, but takes a slow-motion video to get an even closer look.
Taking Care of Your Voice As You Grow
Throughout the ageing process, it’s important to protect and care for your voice. Here are some tips to prevent or slow vocal issues and significant vocal changes:
Speak daily, hum into a straw, and sing to keep your vocal cords and larynx healthy.
Practice good hygiene by avoiding irritants like cigarette smoke, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding whispering.
Getting enough sleep, staying active, and warming up your voice before doing something demanding can also help.
By taking these steps, you can help protect your voice and prevent vocal changes as you age! 🙂
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