Vocal changes: voice mutation

The voice plays an important role in the evolution of human communicative abilities.

Adolescence is a period in which the individual separates from their childhood identity but has not yet fully embraced their adult identity. During this phase, both boys and girls experience changes in their voice, which are considered normal. This results in a hypofunction of the vocal cords that is typically outgrown with age.

The maturation process of the larynx and vocal changes is a physiological phenomenon that occurs around ages 13–15 in males and 12–14 in females. As puberty begins, secondary sexual characteristics develop, and the voice undergoes significant changes as a result of new hormonal patterns.

During adolescence, there is a sudden growth spurt and an increase in the size of the larynx.

Male and female vocal characteristics begin to emerge. These new hormonal patterns cause vocal changes by acting on the larynx, transforming it into an adult structure and resulting in a strong vocal impact. For children going through vocal changes, tonal instability is particularly evident. The voice undergoes modifications due to the structural growth of the larynx, increased respiratory input, and behavioral challenges.

It is normal during this period to experience slight vocal instability, with breaks in phonation, stridor, or diplophonia (the presence of two different pitches). All of these aspects can lead to a degree of social withdrawal in adolescents, further reinforced by the other physical changes occurring at this stage. The brain, informed by hearing and proprioception, takes time to adapt and control the new mobility of the vocal cords.

In males, the vocal cords lengthen by about 10 millimeters due to the anteroposterior growth of the thyroid cartilage and also become thicker. The larynx descends from its original cervical position, the resonance cavities expand, and as a result, the lower range of the vocal register—the lower frequencies—drops by about an octave, to around 100 Hz. In females, the drop is typically no more than half an octave.

A large percentage of individuals who have gone through the process of vocal change report that this period was a traumatic experience, both psychologically and physically—due to sudden breaks in vocal pitch, lack of control, feelings of embarrassment, and a general lack of understanding of what was happening. Consulting a speech therapist early is a helpful recommendation, as the professional can quickly explain what is happening and help the individual gain control over the new frequencies. Collaboration with an osteopath who specializes in voice is also valuable for the speech therapist in managing the soft tissues and laryngeal biomechanics during this transitional phase.

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Valentina Carlile - Osteopath specializing in Osteopathy for Voice and Speech Disorders since 2002. For information and bookings, visit the Contact page.

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