The decrease in atmospheric pressure at higher altitudes affects sound frequency and the quality of a mountaineer's voice. While atmospheric pressure influences sound propagation, the primary determinant of frequency is the length of the vocal cords, with longer cords producing lower frequencies. Thinner air at high altitudes absorbs sound energy more quickly, impacting how far sound travels. This phenomenon is similar to the effect of inhaling helium, which alters the density of the medium and changes vocal characteristics. Overall, altitude significantly influences both voice quality and sound propagation.