As people age, the larynx (voice box), vocal cords, and voice-producing mechanism age just as the rest of the body. Age-related voice changes develop as muscle and other tissues in the larynx and vocal cords shrink, thin, and stiffen. Voice changes can begin as young as age 50.
Causes:
- Normal aging process
- Decreased hormones
- Medication
- The larynx and vocal cords then:
- Atrophy (shrinkage) of muscle
- Thinning of mucous membranes
- Stiffening of connective tissues
Symptoms:
- Higher pitch in men – Lower pitch in women
- Loss of projection and resonance
- Reduced volume and endurance
- Voice tremors (shakiness)
- Weak or breathy voice
Depending on the cause treatments may include:
- Botox injections to reduce vocal tremor
- Filler or fat injections to enlarge vocal cords that have lost muscle tone- temporary
- Thyroplasty, surgery for implants into the vocal cords for a stronger voice
- Voice therapy with exercises to reduce throat strain, improve vocal stamina, and find the optimal pitch and volume
