Why voice changes with age

These symptoms are amplified by the reduced hearing ability that commonly occurs in our peers as we age. NOTE: Much of the time, hoarseness and vocal difficulties are not simply age related change.

Any change that you notice in your voice should be a warning sign that something may be wrong. See your otolaryngologist ear, nose, throat doctor. Almost all voice problems are highly treatable. If you are bothered by your voice, take action today. Secondly, consider a vocal fitness program i. Under the guidance of a speech-language pathologist, a vocal fitness program can make a big difference.

Puberty is a process of sexual maturation. A voice change is one of the secondary sexual characteristics adolescents develop. In boys, this happens between ages 12 and 16; in girls, between ages 10 and As this is happening, the voice tends to change as well.

This change is more noticeable in boys. Their pitch drops only about three tones. This process may take up to a year. Usually, by age 17, the voice fully stabilizes. Milstein says.

There are two main reasons why your voice may change with age:. An aging vocal mechanism. The most common cause of a voice change later in life is aging of the voice box and the respiratory system that powers the voice. Although Medicare and Medicaid will pay for voice therapy that a doctor deems medically necessary, some private insurers won't, says Johnson. Visit the AARP home page every day for great deals and for tips on keeping healthy and sharp. You are leaving AARP.

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Now Reading:. Membership My Account. Rewards for Good. Share with facebook. Share with twitter. Share with linkedin. Share using email. Getty Images Want to keep your voice sounding young? Sing along to your favorite song! Sugar Ray Leonard's tips for staying in shape 9 foods that help prevent wrinkles What really works to help you look younger Join AARP Today — Receive access to exclusive information, benefits and discounts.

Have fun with a straw Like other muscles in your body, your vocal folds need exercise to stay fit. Practice your storytelling Reading aloud keeps your voice working, and that's crucial to vocal health, according to Aaron Johnson, an assistant professor of voice and speech science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Sing along "The benefits of healthy singing can't be underestimated," says Edie Hapner, director of speech language pathology at the Emory University Voice Center in Atlanta.