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Changes in the male voice at puberty
M L Harries1, J M Walker, D M Williams
1Voice Clinic, Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton.
Archives of Disease in Childhood
|March 6, 1998
Summary
Male voice changes during puberty occur abruptly between Tanner stages G3 and G4, correlating with testis volume but not testosterone levels. This study contrasts with previous findings on voice fundamental frequency changes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Speech Science
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Puberty involves significant biological changes, including vocal maturation in males.
- Understanding the timing and characteristics of voice changes is crucial for developmental assessments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To longitudinally assess male voice changes during puberty.
- To correlate these changes with biological markers like Tanner staging and testosterone levels.
- To compare different voice analysis classification methods.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 26 boys.
- Analysis of speaking and singing fundamental frequencies.
- Assessment of Tanner pubertal stages, salivary testosterone, and Cooksey voice classification.
Main Results:
- Abrupt voice characteristic changes observed between Tanner stages G3 and G4.
- Gradual changes noted from Cooksey stages C3 to C5.
- Testosterone levels did not predict voice changes, but testis volume showed a correlation.
- Voice fundamental frequencies changed abruptly in late puberty, differing from prior research.
Conclusions:
- Male voice undergoes abrupt changes in late puberty, challenging previous findings.
- The Tanner and Cooksey methods show good correlation in classifying male puberty.
- Testis volume is associated with vocal changes, suggesting a link beyond direct testosterone prediction.