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As a person hits puberty, their body goes through many changes. One of the most obvious is changes in their voice. Changes in hormones that happen during puberty cause these vocal changes. For boys, the voice gets deeper, and for girls, it gets a little higher in pitch. But sometimes the expected changes in the voice don’t happen. Puberphonia is one voice problem that can happen during this time.
Understanding Puberphonia
Puberphonia, also known as functional falsetto, is a voice disorder that occurs when the expected acoustic change does not happen following the physical maturation during puberty. This disease is more common in males and is distinguished by the improper use of a high-pitched voice after the pubertal stage. It is frequently observed in the initial post-pubescent era, when the male vocal system undergoes major change due to hormonal variations.
Symptoms
These symptoms of puberphonia can differ from person to person, but some commonalities are frequently observed. One of the most noticeable symptoms is a high pitch, which can be likened to a high-pitched female voice or even a falsetto voice. This is a stark contrast to the deeper, more masculine voice that is typically expected in males after puberty.
Also connected with puberphonia is breathiness. A whispery or airy voice may occur from too much air escaping through the vocal folds during voice production.
In addition to a high pitch and breathiness, those with puberphonia may have low voice loudness, phonation and frequency breakdowns, and neck and throat tightness.
Causes
The causes of puberphonia are multifaceted, often involving both physiological and psychological factors. Physically, puberphonia can be a result of anatomical abnormalities in the laryngotracheal structure or functional issues with the vocal folds or voice box. Psychologically, puberphonia may be linked to emotional stress or psychological disbalances experienced during the adolescent stage.
Understanding puberphonia is the first step toward seeking effective treatment. It’s crucial to keep in mind that this voice disorder is treatable with the appropriate therapeutic interventions, giving those who suffer from it hope.
Diagnosis and Assessment of Puberphonia
Speech pathologists and otolaryngologists must evaluate voices to diagnose puberphonia. The process begins with a complete medical evaluation, including a medical history review. This review addresses symptom timing, persistence, associated factors, and voice disorder’s impact on daily life.
Following the medical assessment, the vocal folds and laryngotracheal anatomy are evaluated physically under a laryngoscopy or stroboscopy. This study might highlight any anatomical defects possibly causing the vocal problem.
The vocal assessment is a critical part of the diagnosis and involves the investigation of voice quality, pitch, intensity, and vocal range. The speech pathologist may use a multi-dimensional voice program (MDVP) or similar tool to analyze the patient’s voice. The patient may be asked to produce vowel sounds, speak at a conversational level, or sing to assess the current voice production and identify any abnormalities.
Treatment Options for Puberphonia
Puberphonia is mostly treated without surgery, with behavioral therapy techniques that teach the person how to use their voice properly. The main objective of treatment is to help the person get a steady voice that is easy for them to use and fits their age and gender.
Voice Therapy
Voice therapy is the primary treatment for puberphonia. This puberphonia treatment involves regular voice therapy sessions with a trained speech pathologist. The therapy techniques can include humming while gliding down the pitch scale, phonation of vowel sounds with a glottal attack, use of vegetative sounds like cough or throat clear to initiate voicing, production of glottal fry (the lowest possible pitch), and digital manipulation of thyroid cartilage during vowel production.
The quantity of therapy sessions required can differ based on each patient’s needs. Some patients may see improvement in function after a few sessions, while others may require a more extended period of voice therapy. It’s essential to remember that each patient’s journey is unique, and progress should not be rushed.
Larynx Manipulation
If someone has puberphonia, they may be treated by manipulating their throat. A lower-pitched voice can be made by manually moving the larynx to a lower position during this outpatient process. The vocal folds are moved around in this method, which helps make the voice deeper.
Surgical Therapy
While standard voice therapy methods may not work in some cases, surgery may be the last option. The goal of this surgical method is to change the shape of the larynx and vocal folds so that a deeper voice can be produced. Surgery, on the other hand, is usually only used for very serious cases or when other treatments have not worked.
It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about all of your possible treatment choices in order to find the best one for you.
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Importance of Early Intervention and Support
Getting help and assistance early on are very important for treating puberphonia. People with puberphonia have both physical and mental effects, which is important to keep in mind. Because they can’t hold normal talks or speech, people with this condition may feel emotionally stressed, hate themselves, or even become socially isolated.
Early intervention by health professionals, such as speech pathologists, can provide the necessary guidance and treatment methods to manage puberphonia. This includes voice therapy exercises and techniques, lifestyle modifications, and in some cases, surgical procedures.
Support from family, friends, and the community is equally important. Encouraging open communication about speech issues can help individuals feel less alone and more understood. This can create a strong bond and a safe environment for them to express their fears and concerns, thus reducing mental stress.
Conclusion: Overcoming Puberphonia
Overcoming puberphonia is a journey that requires patience, persistence, and the right support. It’s essential to remember that each person’s experience with puberphonia is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Treating puberphonia may involve a combination of voice therapy, larynx manipulation, and potentially surgery, depending on the case severity. All these methods aim to help individuals achieve a consistent, comfortable, and age-appropriate voice.
While the journey may be challenging, many individuals have successfully overcome puberphonia with the right treatment and support. It’s important not to lose hope and to remember that you are not alone in this journey.
If you or someone you know is struggling with puberphonia, contact Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy to connect with an expert speech pathologist or otolaryngologist today.
