1. Care of the Senior Voice
For Harmony University 2016,
Barbershop Harmony Society
By Steve Scott, MM, MA

2. Questions What happens to the voice as it ages?
Are vocal problems inevitable?
Are vocal problems preventable?
Can I recover age-related voice issues?
When should I stop singing?

3. Class overview 1- Structure and Function of the singing voice
2- Developmental changes
3- Characteristics of the aging voice
4- Impact of health on vocal health
5- What to do?
6- Open to questions

4. Overview The Larynx The structure of singing voice Cartilages
Thyroid
Cricoid
Epiglottis
Arytenoids
Coriniculate
Cuneiform
Intrinsic Muscles CT
PCA
LCA
TrA / ObA TA
Extrinsic
11 Muscles

5. Overview Sound Production Power Source Vibrating Source Resonator
Articulators

6. Senior Voice Aging Process
Difference between chronological and biological age
You really are only as old as you feel

7. Age-related Factors Muscle Atrophy Neuromuscular Mucous Membranes
Loss of muscle fiber density
Loss of elasticity
Results in bowed folds
Neuromuscular
Central nervous system slows
Mucous Membranes
Decrease in mucous secretions
Joint Surface Erosion
Can get arthritis in the larynx joints too!

8. Age-related Factors Lung Capacity Aging bodies Cartilage Ossification
Intercostal muscles experience atrophy too
At age 75, respiratory efficiency can be ½ of a 30-y.o.
More residual air
Aging bodies
Become stiff and less mobile
Cartilage Ossification
Thyroid and cricoid begin changing in the early 20s
Reduced blood flow
Injuries more likely

9. Related Aging Issues Obesity GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
Hypothyroidism
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
Pharyngeal acidity (due to food and drink)
Medications
Many are drying
Serious Illness
Surgeries more frequent
Intubation tube length matters!

10. Hearing Conductive Loss Sensorineural Loss
Prevent transfer to inner ear
Affects the ability to monitor one’s voice
Arthritis in ossicles (tiny ear bones)
Ear infections
Sensorineural Loss
Problems in inner ear (cochlea, auditory, brain)
Noise-induced hearing loss
Headphones, etc

11. Sound and Intensity Source Intensity Threshold of Hearing 0 dB
Rustling Leaves dB
Whisper dB
Normal Conversation dB
Busy Street Traffic dB
Vacuum Cleaner dB
Headphones at max level dB
Front row of a rock concert dB
Threshold of Pain dB
Military Jet Takeoff dB
Instant Tympanic Membrane Perforation 160 dB

12. The Aging Larynx Healthy, young larynx Aging Larynx Vocal Fold atrophy
Muscle strength loss
Vocal Fold bowing

13. Hormone Loss Hormones affect secretions Difference in sexes
Saliva, glandular
Difference in sexes
Men
Testosterone production decreases
Can raise voice pitch
Women
Estrogen production decreases
Testosterone production stays constant
Can lower pitch

14. Vocal Quality Less supple folds Change in timbre Loss of high notes
Loss of intensity
Change in timbre
Breathiness, huskiness
Extrinsic muscles often “help” closure

15. Menopause Age 40-58 Stages: pre-, peri-, post-
Vocally unstable period for women
Range adjustments necessary for many singers
Many experience a new vocal stabilization – different from youth, but reliable

16. Vibrato What it is Vibrato and age Rate Extent Tension-related
Extrinsic muscles
Neurological
Tremor
Rate is too fast
Sometimes related to palsy  treatable with medication
Wobble
Rate is too slow
Extent can be affected

17. Prevention/Restoration
Stay fit!
Stay hydrated
Sleep well
Nutrition
Sing regularly
Speak well
Professional help
Medical
Clinical

18. Medicine What you ingest makes a difference! Check your meds:

19. Pros of the Senior Singer
Vast stores of life experience
Expressive capabilities
Healthy voices can sing A LONG time

20. Daily Exercises
All exercises should focus on efficient vocal fold closure
Semi-occluded vocal tract exercises
Lip trills
Tongue trills
“V”
Hand over the mouth
Straw
Straw in water
Speech Connection
Moan
Creaky voice
Staccato
Consonant Help
G, Y, M, N, B

21. Steve Scott picardy4th@gmail.com singwithscience.com