Why Our Voices Change As We Grow Older

As we age, our bodies undergo various transformations, including changes in our body shape and even our thought processes. An intriguing alteration occurs with our voices, transitioning from a squeaky tone to a more mature sound. Ever wondered how this happens? The same question was posed on the social media platform Quora and here’s the answer.

According to a report by the BBC, our vocal cords play a crucial role in producing the sound of our voice. These cords are situated in the larynx, an organ in the respiratory system that allows air to pass from the throat to the lungs. When air from the lungs passes through the larynx, it causes vibrations in the vocal cords, resulting in sound production.

Comprising three main components—the vocalis muscle, vocal ligament and a mucous membrane with protective glands—the vocal cords maintain surface moisture and safeguard against damage. Additionally, the larynx contains approximately 17 muscles that can adjust the position and tension of the vocal cords, thereby altering the sound produced.

Further insights from the website reveal that before puberty, there’s a minimal disparity in the voices of males and females produced by the vocal cords. However, with the onset of puberty, hormonal changes come into play. In males, these changes involve structural alterations in the larynx, leading to the development of the Adam’s apple and an increase in cord length. Post-puberty, male vocal cords typically measure around 16mm (0.63 inches), whereas in females, they measure about 10mm (0.39 inches).

Moreover, post-puberty, female vocal cords tend to be 20 to 30 per cent thinner. Consequently, due to their shorter and thinner vocal cords, women often have higher-pitched voices compared to men. Interestingly, hormonal fluctuations can continue to influence our voices even after puberty. A woman’s voice may vary depending on her menstrual cycle stage, with the ovulatory phase often associated with optimal vocal quality. During this phase, increased mucous production by the glands enhances vocal cord performance, resulting in improved sound quality.

Our voices undergo significant changes throughout life, influenced by factors such as puberty and hormonal fluctuations, highlighting the intricate relationship between biology and voice modulation.