Changes in the Aging Voice

The organ we use to speak and sing, the larynx, ages as the rest of the body ages. Accordingly, our voices change over time. Changes in the voice occur as we lose muscle in our vocal folds and the covering of the vocal folds becomes thinner and less compliant. The changes we hear in voices as they age are the result of these and other small, slow changes taking place over time.

The changes in the aging voice differ in onset, severity, and significance across the population. The changes are not the same in women and men. Very commonly, the effects of aging in the larynx make the voice susceptible to other factors that also irritate the vocal folds.

In general, the appearance of the vocal folds and the sound of the voice as it ages are aptly described as “asthenic.” The voice is “thinner”, less resonant, and lacks projection. Other causes of these changes needs to be excluded by your doctor who can visualize the vocal folds during vibration (stroboscopy).

Treatment consists of voice therapy, augmentation of the vocal folds using injectable materials, and surgery to restore bulk the vocal folds. This is a highly complex topic that is actively explored and discussed in the laryngology community at present.

Aging Voice	Aging Voice After Augmentation