When we're young, our vocal cords are all spry and flexible, giving us those high-pitched, squeaky tones that drive our parents nuts. But as time marches on, those vocal cords start to wear out like an old pair of sneakers, becoming stiffer and thinner. Plus, our larynx—the fancy name for our voice box—grows larger and changes shape, kind of like how your taste in music evolves over the years. Add in a sprinkle of hormonal changes and maybe a dash of lifestyle habits like smoking, and voila! You've got yourself a new voice, complete with a few extra wrinkles and wisdom.
