Can’t hit all the notes during karaoke anymore? As we age, we can expect that our voices will undergo a degree of change as it did when we hit puberty. Growing older, some voices will deepen over time while others may become more strained. These changes often stem from physical alterations in muscle mass, posture, and vocal folds, which can lose tone and elasticity over time, according to National Geographic.

Hormones are to blame. Fluctuations in hormones, particularly in women during menopause, can also lead to alterations in pitch and vocal power. While research in this area is still developing, hormone replacement therapy is sometimes used to address these changes and preserve vocal function.

Quitting smoking and visiting your dentist will slow the changes. Maintaining general physical health through staying active, practicing good oral hygiene, and staying hydrated can all support vocal health. Smoking is also a key factor: It not only irritates the voice but can also increase the risk of cancer in the vocal organs. While medications and surgical interventions are available for severe cases, non-invasive voice therapy is typically the first line of treatment. Speech-language pathologists prescribe personalized exercises to maintain vocal range, volume, and overall vocal health.

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