AARP Hearing Center
Why Is My Voice Changing as I Age?
Why this common phenomenon happens and what you can do about it
James Yates
My voice is changing as I get older. Can you tell me why, and do I need to worry?
Most people won’t suddenly notice their voice has changed. It creeps up on us. A little less volume in a crowded room, a little more effort to get through a long conversation, maybe you hear a recording where you think: Do I really sound like this now?
More Ways to Benefit
- Related Benefit 1
- Related Benefit 2
- Related Benefit 3
- Related Benefit 4
- Related Benefit 5
So, what’s going on?
As we get older, the vocal cords, which are two bands of muscle that vibrate to produce sound, undergo the same kinds of changes as other muscles in our body. They thin out, lose elasticity and don’t come together quite as efficiently. I often explain that it’s like a string on a violin’s bow. When it’s tight, it produces a strong, clear sound. But when it loosens, the sound becomes weaker and less precise. That’s exactly what can happen with your voice. The medical term for voice disorders is dysphonia, and it can show up in different ways. Some people notice their voice becoming breathier or quieter. Others feel it takes more effort to speak, or their voice tires easily. Men may find their voice getting higher; women may notice theirs getting lower. None of this is unusual. Nearly 19 percent of older adults are estimated to have a voice disorder.
But your vocal cords aren’t the whole story. Your lungs, what I like to call the “bellows” behind your voice, also change with age. Lung capacity gradually declines, which means less airflow to power your voice. That’s one reason you may feel like you can’t project the way you used to.
Hormones play a role, too. As estrogen and testosterone levels shift, they affect the structure and function of the vocal cords. Add dryness, which becomes more common with age, and you have another factor that can make your voice sound rough or strained.
Ask Dr. Adam
Adam B. Rosenbluth, M.D., is an internist and cardiologist in New York City. Each Monday, he’ll weigh in on your questions about how to make your body work better for you. His AARP book will be published in 2027. Join in on the conversation on social media @dradamrosenbluth to learn to move the needle on your personal health in an achievable way.
Then there are the aggravators, the things that make a changing voice worse. Acid reflux is one. Even if you don’t feel the classic heartburn, stomach acid can still irritate the vocal cords and cause hoarseness. Allergies, postnasal drip, smoking and even habitual throat-clearing can all contribute.
In rare cases, a hoarse voice can be a symptom of a serious heart condition. Doctors will generally rule out other more common causes before they consider this condition, called Ortner’s syndrome or cardiovocal syndrome.
Now here’s an important point: A systematic review of studies published in 2023 found that age-related voice changes (called presbyphonia) account for only around 18 percent of voice problems in older adults. This means there are still plenty of people dealing with voice changes because of other causes like reflux, polyps or neurological conditions.
It’s the reason why I always tell my patients that if their voice has changed and it’s persistent, it’s a good idea to get it checked out. Don’t assume it’s a normal part of aging. An ear, nose and throat (ENT) doctor can look directly at your vocal cords with a small camera and rule out anything more serious.
The good news is that in most cases, there’s quite a lot you can do to help develop a stronger voice. First, hydration matters more than people realize. Dry vocal cords simply don’t function well. So stay well hydrated, and I bet you’ll experience a noticeable difference.
Second, use your voice. Just like any muscle, the vocal cords benefit from regular activity. Singing, reading aloud, and even simple vocal exercises like humming or repeating vowel sounds can help maintain strength and coordination.
Third, work on your breathing. I often refer patients to speech or occupational therapy, where they learn techniques to better coordinate breathing and voice production. It’s not just about sounding better; it can improve swallowing and reduce the risk of aspiration as well.
And finally, address the underlying irritant. If you have reflux, treat it. If you smoke, stopping will make a meaningful difference. If allergies are an issue, managing them can reduce inflammation in the vocal cords.
I understand why people find voice changes discouraging. Your voice feels personal. It’s how you express yourself to the world. But I want to emphasize that this is one of those conditions where you actually have a lot of control. With attention, exercise and the right care, many people hear real improvement. The key is not to ignore the change but to tune in and work with it.
AARP Membership
Join AARP for only $15 per year with automatic renewal. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of benefits, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine.
You Might Also Like
Why Are You Short of Breath? 14 Explanations
It’s not a normal part of aging, and it could signal one of many health issues
Why Do I Have Less of an Appetite?
Our relationship with food can shift over time. Here’s what might be behind the change