A voice change, or vocal transformation, is an alteration in the acoustic properties of a person’s voice, affecting its pitch, timbre, or volume. This process occurs due to underlying physiological shifts in the vocal apparatus, which is a natural part of human development and aging. The sound-producing structures of the larynx are reshaped, leading to a new vocal identity.
Identifying Sudden Pitch Shifts and Instability
The most apparent sign that a voice is transforming is the involuntary and sudden shift in pitch, often experienced as the voice “cracking” or “breaking.” This vocal instability happens when the voice unexpectedly jumps between registers, moving from a lower speaking voice to a higher, falsetto-like sound, or vice versa. These temporary pitch breaks result from the vocal folds struggling to maintain a consistent vibration frequency.
Vocal instability can also manifest as a noticeable lowering of the overall resting pitch, making the voice sound deeper than before. As the vocal apparatus changes, the fundamental frequency of the voice decreases. This transformation often includes a change in vocal quality, which may sound rougher, hoarser, or breathier during the transition period. Individuals might also experience difficulty controlling the voice’s volume or tone, particularly when attempting to speak loudly or sing.
The underlying physical cause of these pitch breaks is the vocal folds’ inability to vibrate smoothly and consistently during the period of rapid growth. When the vocal folds are undergoing a swift change in length and thickness, the laryngeal muscles struggle to coordinate the necessary tension to produce a steady tone. This lack of coordination can cause the vocal folds to vibrate at two different frequencies simultaneously, leading to the sudden, unintentional jump in pitch.
Physical Signs of Laryngeal Development
The primary driver of voice transformation during adolescence is the surge of sex hormones, which trigger significant growth in the larynx, commonly known as the voice box. This growth is more pronounced in individuals assigned male at birth, but it occurs in all individuals to varying degrees. The larynx increases in size, and the vocal folds grow longer and thicker.
The lengthening and thickening of the vocal folds directly lowers the pitch of the voice, similar to how a longer, heavier guitar string produces a deeper note. Before puberty, vocal folds are roughly the same size in all children. They can increase by up to 16 millimeters in males and about 10 millimeters in females by the conclusion of adolescence. This increase in mass and length causes the fundamental frequency of the voice to drop significantly, sometimes by a full octave in males.
Laryngeal growth also involves changes to the surrounding cartilage, specifically the thyroid cartilage. In many individuals, the thyroid cartilage enlarges, and the angle where the two plates meet becomes more acute, creating a noticeable protrusion at the front of the neck. This visible physical development is an external marker that the voice’s internal machinery is transforming. The growth process typically begins between the ages of 10 and 14, lasting for two to three years, though the voice may not fully stabilize until the early twenties.
Other Reasons Voices Transform
Voice changes continue throughout a person’s life due to various physiological and external factors, not just adolescence. Aging causes a process called presbyphonia, where the vocal cords lose mass and elasticity, leading to a breathy, thinner, or higher-pitched sound. In older men, a decrease in testosterone may cause the voice to rise in pitch. Post-menopausal women may experience a lowering of pitch due to a relative increase in androgen hormones.
Hormonal fluctuations also influence vocal quality and pitch, as the vocal folds are sensitive to various endocrine changes. For instance, certain thyroid conditions can cause hoarseness and vocal fatigue. Voice quality in women can fluctuate across the menstrual cycle due to varying levels of estrogen and progesterone. Pregnancy can also lead to temporary voice alterations, known as laryngopathia gravidarum, often involving changes in pitch and effort due to hormonal shifts and fluid retention.
External factors, such as vocal misuse or chronic irritation, can also cause noticeable changes in the voice. Excessive yelling or strenuous vocal use can lead to the development of vocal nodules or polyps, resulting in persistent hoarseness and roughness. Lifestyle choices like smoking can chronically irritate the vocal folds, leading to a deeper, rougher voice quality. If any hoarseness or voice change persists for more than two weeks outside of a cold or flu, it is advised to consult a medical professional for an evaluation.