Eli5—Why is it that we all have different voices? I understand the idea of male and female, but I’m referring to tones. Vocal performance. Range. Etc.
In: Biology
They vary depending on the length and thickness (male trachea are larger/thicker than female trachea), mens vocal cords vibrate at an average of 125 vibrations per second whereas a female averaged around 250.
Age also plays a factor. Obviously as we grow so does our larynx which is why our voices are deeper compared to children’s. The trachea of an elderly person is not as elastic as before which is why their voices tend to sound different as well (called presbyphonia, fancy word for aging voice.)
Other factors include a person’s hydration, history of smoking, acid reflux,or vocal misuse- overuse of the vocal chords (excessive yelling usually) can result in nodules (think callouses) which can also affect the voice until they are removed or are allowed to heal up in time.
Breathiness can come from the vocal chords not adequately closing/hitting one another during phonation. Another type of dysphonia, called spasmodic dysphonia, happens when the vocal chords uncontrollably spasm. It makes the person sound like they’re choked up and struggling not to cry when they talk.
Vocal strength is dependent upon one’s ability of deep breaths and pronation upon exhalation. I’ve found that range usually depends on a person’s laryngeal elevation. I’ve had patients with very little laryngeal movement who could only do one or two octaves but after some therapy they are able to produce a wider range (I usually do this for swallow therapy if the person needs to improve their range of movement to help their swallow.)
Hope this helps!
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