Voice changes after puberty: Not just for teenagers
Most people associate voice changes with the adolescent years, when the larynx grows and vocal cords thicken in both males and females. While this is the most pronounced shift, the voice continues to evolve throughout life. For many, the voice reaches its mature sound in the early twenties, but a second, less noticeable phase of change can occur later. This is influenced by a combination of physiological, hormonal, and lifestyle factors that affect the laryngeal muscles and vocal cords over time.
The second vocal shift: What's happening in your throat?
Unlike the testosterone-fueled changes of puberty, the deeper voice that can develop in some men in their 20s and 30s is more gradual. Some experts suggest this is due to a slow, progressive development of the physiological structures within the larynx. The vocal cords can gain more mass and the laryngeal anatomy can continue to refine itself. This results in a fuller, more resonant tone rather than a dramatic drop in pitch. For women, the age-related voice change often involves a drop in pitch as well, particularly during and after menopause due to decreasing estrogen and relative increases in androgen levels. However, this is often accompanied by other signs of vocal aging, such as breathiness or hoarseness.
Common signs of an aging voice (Presbyphonia)
While a slight deepening might be perceived, many voice changes in later life are associated with a broader condition called presbyphonia, or the aging voice. These changes are not just about pitch but also about vocal quality, strength, and endurance. Here are some common symptoms:
- Higher pitch in men: As the vocal cords lose mass and atrophy, they can become thinner and vibrate at a higher frequency, leading to a higher-pitched, thinner voice.
- Lower pitch in women: Hormonal changes, particularly post-menopause, can cause the vocal cords to thicken, which can lower a woman's pitch.
- Reduced volume: The lungs' capacity can decrease with age, leading to less breath support and a quieter, weaker voice.
- Hoarseness or breathiness: As vocal cords thin and lose muscle tone, they may not close completely during speech. This can allow air to leak through, resulting in a raspy or breathy sound.
- Vocal fatigue: The muscles of the larynx can weaken, making it more difficult to control the voice for long periods and leading to tiring more easily.
- Vocal tremor: Weakening nerves and muscles can lead to an unsteady or shaky quality in the voice.
Lifestyle and health factors influencing your voice
While genetics and natural aging are primary drivers, lifestyle choices play a significant role in how your voice changes. Activities that put strain on the vocal cords or affect the overall health of the vocal system can either accelerate or mitigate these changes.
- Smoking: Chronic smoking irritates the vocal cords, causing swelling and inflammation, which can permanently lower the pitch and lead to a perpetually raspy voice.
- Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is crucial for vocal health, as the vocal folds function best when moist. Dehydration can lead to dryness and irritation.
- Vocal use: Regular, healthy voice use, like that practiced by singers and public speakers, can help maintain vocal cord muscle strength and flexibility. Conversely, habitual overuse or misuse (e.g., yelling) can cause damage.
- Medications and health conditions: Certain medications and health issues like acid reflux, neurological problems, and thyroid conditions can alter vocal quality.
Age-related voice changes: Men vs. women
| Feature | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Secondary Deepening | Some men may experience a subtle deepening into their 20s and 30s as laryngeal structures mature. | Less common, as most vocal changes for women are complete by their early 20s. |
| Aging Pitch Change | As vocal cords lose mass and elasticity, they can thin and shorten, often causing the pitch to become slightly higher later in life. | Hormonal shifts during menopause can cause vocal cords to thicken, leading to a lower-pitched, sometimes rougher voice. |
| Muscle Atrophy | More pronounced atrophy of vocal fold muscles is common, leading to a weaker, breathier voice in old age. | While muscle atrophy also occurs, vocal cord thinning is a more prominent feature, leading to a reedy or breathy quality. |
| Hormonal Influence | Testosterone primarily affects pitch and cord thickness during puberty. Age-related changes are less hormonally driven, though testosterone levels decrease over time. | Estrogen decline during menopause is a key driver of vocal changes, which can be influenced by hormone replacement therapy. |
Can you prevent your voice from aging?
While you can't stop the natural aging process, you can adopt habits to maintain vocal health. Just as you exercise other muscles in your body, you can exercise your voice to keep it strong and resilient. Vocal exercises, proper hydration, and avoiding irritants are key. A speech-language pathologist can provide tailored guidance. For more information, the Cleveland Clinic offers valuable insights into age-related voice care.
Conclusion
Understanding what age your voice gets deeper again involves looking beyond the singular event of puberty. While a less dramatic deepening can occur in men's 20s and 30s, the voice undergoes a continuous process of aging throughout life for everyone. These changes, often referred to as presbyphonia, are caused by a combination of muscle atrophy, thinning vocal cords, and hormonal shifts, leading to potential changes in pitch, volume, and quality. By maintaining good vocal hygiene, staying hydrated, and seeking professional help if needed, individuals can help preserve their vocal health and maintain a stronger, clearer voice for many years to come.
