Voicing Newsletter January 2026

Written By esther Verbovszky

Voicing & Voice Disorders:

Understanding Voice Changes in Aging & Neurologic Populations

What Is Voicing?

Voicing refers to how sound is produced and used for communication. It includes:

  • Vocal fold vibration

  • Loudness and projection

  • Clarity and resonance

  • Breath support and endurance

A healthy voice allows a person to communicate comfortably, be heard clearly, and express thoughts and emotions without strain or fatigue.

When voicing is affected, speech may sound:

  • Soft or difficult to hear

  • Hoarse, strained, or breathy

  • Monotone

  • Fatiguing to maintain

  • Clear but lacking volume

Voicing Changes in the Aging Population

As individuals age, natural changes can occur in the voice, often referred to as age-related voice changes or presbyphonia. These changes may include:

  • Thinning and weakening of the vocal folds

  • Reduced breath support

  • Decreased vocal endurance

  • Slower coordination between breathing and speaking

Common signs include:

  • Voice fading throughout the day

  • Difficulty projecting in conversation

  • Needing to repeat oneself

  • Increased throat clearing

  • Feeling out of breath while talking

Although these changes are common, they are not something that must be accepted without support. Many age-related voice issues respond well to therapy.

Voicing Challenges in Neurologic Conditions

Neurologic conditions can affect voice by impacting muscle tone, coordination, timing, and breath control.

Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Individuals with CP may experience:

  • Reduced breath support for speech

  • Inconsistent vocal loudness

  • Strained or breathy vocal quality

  • Difficulty sustaining sounds or phrases

Voice challenges in CP are related to motor control and coordination rather than cognitive ability.

Parkinson’s Disease, Stroke, and Other Neurologic Conditions

Common voice characteristics may include:

  • Reduced vocal loudness

  • Monotone speech

  • Short phrases

  • Voice that sounds clear but is too quiet to be functional

Many individuals are unaware of these changes until others begin commenting that they cannot hear them.

Why Voice Issues Matter

Voice plays a critical role in:

  • Social connection

  • Independence and safety

  • Emotional expression

  • Quality of life

When voice difficulties are not addressed, individuals may withdraw from conversations, feel frustrated, or be misunderstood. Voice changes are sometimes mistaken for disinterest or cognitive decline, when in reality the individual simply cannot be heard.

Voice is closely tied to identity.
Supporting the voice supports the whole person.'

What Voice Therapy Addresses

Voice therapy is individualized and may focus on:

Breath Support

  • Improving diaphragmatic breathing

  • Coordinating breath with speech

  • Increasing phrase length

Vocal Strength & Efficiency

  • Improving vocal fold closure

  • Sustaining voice without strain

  • Increasing vocal endurance

Loudness & Projection

  • Increasing volume safely

  • Avoiding pushing or yelling

  • Carrying stronger voice into daily communication

Resonance & Clarity

  • Reducing throat tension

  • Improving voice quality

  • Speaking with less effort and greater clarity

Voice Therapy Approaches

Voice therapy is not one-size-fits-all and may include:

  • Traditional voice therapy techniques

  • Neurologic-based voice therapy

  • Loudness-focused treatment approaches

  • Functional communication practice

  • Home programs for daily carryover

  • Education and support for caregivers and families

The goal is always functional, comfortable, and confident communication.

Everyday Voice Care (Vocal Hygiene)

Healthy voice habits help protect and support the voice:

  • Maintain good hydration

  • Avoid excessive throat clearing

  • Limit whispering and yelling

  • Rest the voice when fatigued

  • Address reflux, chronic coughing, or allergies when present

Small daily changes can significantly improve vocal health.

When to Seek a Voice Evaluation

A voice evaluation is recommended if:

  • Voice changes last longer than 2–3 weeks

  • Voice impacts communication or confidence

  • Others report difficulty hearing you

  • Voice worsens with fatigue

  • There is a known neurologic diagnosis

Early intervention leads to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

How Star Center Foundation Supports Voicing

Star Center Foundation supports individuals with voice challenges through:

  • Education and awareness

  • Community voice programs

  • Guidance on evaluation and referral

  • Caregiver and family support

  • Empowerment through communication

Closing Thought


Losing your voice does not mean losing your message.
With the right support, voices can grow stronger—at any age and at any stage.

esther Verbovszky
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Voicing Newsletter December 2025