Alexis Irazoque, M.S., CCC-SLP
As we age, it’s common to notice changes in our voice. Just like other organs in your body, your voice also changes over time. You might see changes in your pitch, volume, and clarity. Your voice might sound raspy, weak, or hoarse.
These changes are known as presbyphonia. And while presbyphonia is common in older adults, it can be frustrating, affecting the way you communicate and your quality of life.
This article explains the symptoms of age-related vocal changes, how voice therapy can help, and what you can do to prevent voice problems as you age.
Why do older people experience voice changes?
Voice changes have been reported in up to 52% of older adults. There are a variety of causes for voice changes.
Aging brings changes to the voice box (larynx) and vocal cords, which can lead to a condition called presbylarynx. As we age, the soft tissues in the larynx begin to weaken and shrink. This natural process can cause the vocal cords to lose their tone and elasticity, making the voice sound weaker and reducing the ability to speak loudly or for long periods. People with presbylarynx may sound hoarse or have a limited vocal range.
Aging can also cause changes to our respiratory system. Healthy lung function is needed for a strong and effective voice. However, as we age, it’s common to experience shortness of breath, coughing, and increased mucus production. This can lead to older people having a raspy or breathy voice.
Other factors, such as smoking, certain workplace environments, and digestive conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), can also cause wear and tear on the vocal cords, resulting in a hoarse voice.
Other health conditions that can cause voice changes
It’s important to note that voice changes in older adults are not only due to aging. Various health conditions can impact the voice, including:
Thyroid disease
Obesity
Hypertension
Neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease
Even psychological conditions such as depression can affect how the voice sounds. In fact, research has shown that more than half of older adults with presbylarynx also have underlying diseases, such as diabetes or pulmonary disease.
Voice changes in the elderly are often accompanied by other voice disorders. Conditions like laryngopharyngeal reflux (where stomach acid affects the throat), muscle tension dysphonia, vocal cord paralysis, and even benign or malignant vocal masses can occur with presbylarynx. For example, studies have found that nearly all older adults with presbylarynx also have laryngopharyngeal reflux, which can further impact and change the voice.
What are the signs of age-related voice changes?
Common symptoms of voice changes include:
A weaker voice with reduced volume and projection
Vocal fatigue
A tremor or a shaky voice
Changes in pitch (men may notice a higher pitch, while women may have a lower one)
Rough, raspy, or breathy voice
Frequent hoarseness
Speaking requires more effort than before
Some people may also experience swallowing difficulties.
If you or a loved one notice these changes, talk with your doctor. While voice changes may be a natural part of aging, they can also signal health issues that might need attention.
How voice therapy helps people regain their voice
Many older adults don’t seek help for voice problems, assuming it’s just a normal part of aging. However, voice changes can greatly affect your communication and social interactions, leading to isolation, anxiety, and even depression. This is where voice therapy can make a big difference.
Voice therapy is like physical therapy for your vocal cords. It can improve your voice’s health, function, quality, and stamina.
Voice therapy is a highly effective treatment for age-related voice disorders. It’s often the first treatment recommended by laryngologists, and it’s been shown to improve voice quality and overall quality of life. Studies have shown that voice therapy can strengthen the vocal cords, enhance vocal function, and increase the activity of muscles involved in voice production. This means that people who receive voice therapy often experience clearer, stronger voices and can communicate more easily.
Voice therapy is like physical therapy for your vocal cords. It can improve your voice’s health, function, quality, and stamina.
One of the great things about voice therapy is that it can be tailored to each person’s needs. Both in-person sessions and teletherapy have been proven to be effective. Online voice therapy has the added benefit of convenience, since it can be done from the comfort of home.
Voice therapy provides targeted exercises to improve vocal health, helping prevent the negative social and emotional effects of presbyphonia. So, if you or someone you know is experiencing age-related voice changes, talk with a speech therapist who specializes in voice therapy. It’s a crucial step in maintaining not just your voice, but your overall well-being.
Voice therapy is often covered by insurance, so check with your health insurance plan.
6 tips for keeping your voice healthy and strong as you age
While research on preventing presbyphonia is still limited, there are practical tips you can follow to help keep your voice healthy and strong:
1 Stay hydrated
Proper hydration is crucial for vocal cord health. Drinking six to eight glasses of water daily keeps your vocal cords lubricated, making it easier to produce a clear, strong voice. Hydrated vocal cords are also less prone to irritation and injury.
2 Do regular vocal exercises
Just like your body needs regular exercise to stay fit, so do your vocal cords. Do vocal exercises regularly to keep your voice strong and flexible. Simple exercises like humming, lip trills, and tongue trills can help keep your voice in shape and build resilience against age-related changes.
3 Avoid straining your voice
Avoid shouting or speaking loudly for long periods, which can damage your vocal cords. Take regular breaks when speaking or singing to give your voice time to rest and recover.
4 Practice good vocal hygiene
How you care for your throat and larynx directly impacts your voice. Keep your larynx moist and flexible by staying hydrated and using a humidifier, especially in dry environments. Limit caffeine and alcohol, as they can dry out your throat. And most importantly, avoid smoking.
5 Keep your body healthy
Your overall health affects your voice. Conditions like asthma, allergies, and COPD can impact breathing, which is vital for voice production. Regular exercise helps you build stamina and improve your posture, which contributes to a healthier voice.
6 Use your voice regularly
For older adults, particularly those who are retired or living alone, it’s important to keep using your voice. Whether by joining a choir, singing in the shower, or reading aloud, use your voice regularly to help keep it strong.
By following these tips, you can help maintain a strong, healthy voice. Being able to communicate clearly helps you stay connected with the world around you. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you notice changes in your voice—because your voice truly matters.
