Voice change

Voice Change refers to the alterations in a person's voice that occur as part of the pubertal process, but can also result from other factors such as aging, medical conditions, and extended use or misuse of the voice. The most notable period of voice change occurs during adolescence, affecting both males and females, although the changes are more pronounced in males.

Causes and Mechanism

The primary cause of voice change during puberty is the growth of the larynx and the thickening of the vocal cords, stimulated by hormones such as testosterone in males and to a lesser extent in females. In males, this results in a deeper voice, often after a period of voice instability where the voice may "crack" or fluctuate. In females, the change is less dramatic but still results in a mature voice that is different from that of childhood.

Apart from puberty, voice changes can occur due to:

• Aging: As people age, their voices may become weaker, tremble, or become hoarse due to changes in the vocal cords and respiratory system.
• Vocal cord nodules and polyps: These are noncancerous growths on the vocal cords caused by vocal abuse or misuse.
• Laryngitis: Inflammation of the larynx, often due to infection or overuse, can lead to temporary voice changes.
• Hormonal changes: Apart from puberty, hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause, or as a result of thyroid conditions can affect the voice.
• Surgery or trauma to the larynx.

Effects

The effects of voice change can vary widely among individuals. During puberty, the unpredictability of voice changes can cause embarrassment and self-consciousness. For professionals who rely on their voice, such as singers, actors, and teachers, any alteration in voice quality can have significant implications for their careers.

Management and Treatment

Management of voice changes depends on the underlying cause. Voice therapy with a speech-language pathologist can help individuals learn to use their voices more effectively and prevent damage. In cases where nodules or polyps are present, surgery may be necessary. Hormonal treatments may address voice changes due to hormonal imbalances.

Cultural and Psychological Aspects

Culturally, a deeper voice in males is often associated with maturity and masculinity. Psychological effects of voice change can include embarrassment, frustration, and a temporary loss of identity, especially in professions where voice is a critical tool.

See Also

• Puberty
• Vocal cords
• Larynx
• Speech-language pathology