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Puberphonia is the persistence of an unusually high pitched voice even after puberty in the absence of organic causes. This condition is commonly seen in males. The patient has persisting beyond puberty.. It is also called "Mutational falsetto" and "Voice break".
Introduction[]
Normally adolescent males undergo voice changes due to a sudden increase in the length of the vocal cords due to the enlargement of the Adams Apple (thyroid prominence) with puberty. This sudden increase in the length of the vocal cords is due to the sudden increase in testosterone levels found in pubescent males.
This is uncommon in females because their vocal cords do not show a sudden increase in length.
Definition[]
Causes of Puberphonia[]
- Emotional stress
- Delayed development of secondary sexual characters
- Psychogenic
- Non fusion of thyroid laminae
Treatment[]
This condition is best treated by voice therapy called GUTZMAN'S pressure test.In this the person is asked to speak with the thyroid prominence being pressed backwards and downwards to relax the overstretched cords and to produce low tone voice. Also Type III phonosurgery can be done which includes surgical shortening and relaxation of cord.