Originally posted by: bunbutt_too
As people age their vocal chords and the uvula [the little hanging piece at the back of the throat] start to thicken and get fleshier. This restricts both these parts from vibrating as freely as they would in someone younger. The slow vibration rate interferes with the ability to hit high notes.
Other than aging any ENT infection, smoking or excessive yelling, like at a ball games can causes these two parts to swell as well leading to a temporary thickening or loss of the voice.
Thank you!!😛