Puberphonia is characterized by the failure to transition into the lower pitched voice of adulthood. In conjunction with an atypically high pitch, common symptoms include a weak, breathy, or hoarse voice, as well as a low vocal intensity, pitch breaks, and shallow breathing.
There are a number of proposed causes for the development of puberphonia. The aetiology of puberphonia can be both organic (biological) or psychogenic (psychological) in nature. In males, however, organic causes are rare and psychogenic causes are more common.
Puberphonia is described as having three main variants, related to the level of anatomical change. The most common presentation of the condition is characterized by a normal adult larynx and an increased pitch due to the vocal folds adopting the falsetto position. A second variant can occur when the laryngeal development is prolonged during puberty. Lastly, puberphonia can occur due to an incomplete transformation of the larynx into the adult form.
To determine whether a patient presents with puberphonia, a complete voice assessment including medical and diagnostic evaluations is recommended. These assessments are performed by otorhinolaryngologists and speech-language pathologists.
Puberphonia is most often diagnosed in adolescent or adult male patients. These patients often seek referral to a voice professional because of the social consequences of speaking in the falsetto register. Because a high-pitched voice is not pathologized in women, women are less likely to be referred to clinicians to treat falsetto speech. Some older adult women, however, may seek a referral for this disorder due to increasing weakness of their voice and vocal fatigue at the end of the day (these cases are often referred to as "juvenile voice" or "little girl's voice" rather than puberphonia).
A behavioural assessment for puberphonia will consist of several types of tasks, and may include:
Clinicians can also request a self-assessment, in which the patient describes their symptoms and their effects on activities of daily living. The clinician may direct this self-assessment to include the identification of personality traits that may maintain the disorder, the social and emotional consequences of the symptoms experienced, and whether the patient has any access to their modal voice register.
A complete assessment for puberphonia or any other voice disorder may require a referral to another healthcare professional, such as a psychologist or a surgeon, to determine candidacy for various treatment options.
This condition is most often treated using voice therapy (vocal exercises) by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) or Speech Pathologist who have experience in treating voice disorders. The duration of treatment is commonly one to two weeks.
Indirect treatment options for puberphonia focus on creating an environment where direct treatment options will be more effective. Counselling, performed by the S-LP, a psychologist, or counsellor, can help patients identify the psychological factors that contribute to their disorder and give them tools to address those factors directly. Patients may also be educated about good vocal hygiene and how their behaviour could have long term effects on their voice.
In puberphonia, the use of audiovisual feedback allows the patient to observe graphic and numerical representations of their voice and pitch. This allows the patient to determine an ideal pitch range based on normative data on age and gender, and incrementally work through speech tasks while working in that desired pitch range. As the patient improves, speech tasks progress to become more natural, involving tasks such as reciting automatic information, to reading, to spontaneous speech and conversation. Incorporating audiovisual feedback in speech and voice therapies has been successful in intervention by improving motivation and guidance.
In some cases when traditional voice therapy is ineffective, surgical interventions are considered. This can occur in situations where intervention is delayed or the patient is in denial, causing the condition to become resistant to voice therapy.
There are different types of surgical interventions which have been successful in lowering the vocal pitch in men with puberphonia who had previously received ineffective voice and psychotherapy. The first surgical intervention developed, called relaxation thyroplasty or tetrusion thyroplasty, involves a bilateral excision of 2 to 3 mm vertical strips of thyroid cartilage which lowers the vocal pitch through anteroposterior relaxation and shortening of the vocal folds. It can be performed under local or general anaesthesia.
The incidence of puberphonia is estimated to be about 1 in 900,000 population.
Colton, Raymond H.; Casper, Janina K.; Leonard, Rebecca (2011). Understanding Voice Problems: A Physiological Perspective for Diagnosis and Treatment. Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 978-1-60913-874-5. OCLC 660546194.[page needed] 978-1-60913-874-5
Dagli, M; Sati, I; Acar, A; Stone, RE; Dursun, G; Eryilmaz, A (2008). "Mutational falsetto: intervention outcomes in 45 patients". The Journal of Laryngology & Otology. 122 (3): 277–281. doi:10.1017/S0022215107008791. PMID 17524172. S2CID 9959504. /wiki/Doi_(identifier)
Dagli, M; Sati, I; Acar, A; Stone, RE; Dursun, G; Eryilmaz, A (2008). "Mutational falsetto: intervention outcomes in 45 patients". The Journal of Laryngology & Otology. 122 (3): 277–281. doi:10.1017/S0022215107008791. PMID 17524172. S2CID 9959504. /wiki/Doi_(identifier)
Colton, Raymond H.; Casper, Janina K.; Leonard, Rebecca (2011). Understanding Voice Problems: A Physiological Perspective for Diagnosis and Treatment. Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 978-1-60913-874-5. OCLC 660546194.[page needed] 978-1-60913-874-5
Martin, Stephanie; Lockhart, Myra (2013). Working with Voice Disorders. New York: Speechmark Publishing Ltd. p. 37. ISBN 9780863889462. 9780863889462
C., Stemple, Joseph (2014-01-28). Clinical voice pathology : theory and management. Roy, Nelson,, Klaben, Bernice (Fifth ed.). San Diego, CA. ISBN 9781597569330. OCLC 985461970.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) 9781597569330
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Jani, Ruotsalainen; Jaana, Sellman; Laura, Lehto; Jos, Verbeek (2008-05-01). "Systematic review of the treatment of functional dysphonia and prevention of voice disorders". Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. 138 (5): 557–565. doi:10.1016/j.otohns.2008.01.014. PMID 18439458. /wiki/Doi_(identifier)
C., Stemple, Joseph (2014). Clinical voice pathology : theory and management. Roy, Nelson,, Klaben, Bernice (Fifth ed.). San Diego, CA. ISBN 9781597565561. OCLC 985461970.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) 9781597565561
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Martin, Stephanie; Lockhart, Myra (2013). Working with Voice Disorders. New York: Speechmark Publishing Ltd. p. 37. ISBN 9780863889462. 9780863889462
Sinha, Vikas (2012). "Efficacy of Voice therapy for treatment of Puberphonia: Review of 20 cases". World Articles in Ear, Nose and Throat. 5. http://www.waent.org/archives/2012/Vol5-1/20120827-puberphonia/puberphonia.htm
Colton, Raymond H.; Casper, Janina K.; Leonard, Rebecca (2011). Understanding Voice Problems: A Physiological Perspective for Diagnosis and Treatment. Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 978-1-60913-874-5. OCLC 660546194.[page needed] 978-1-60913-874-5
Diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders. Rubin, John S. (John Stephen). New York: Igaku-Shoin. 1995. ISBN 978-0896402768. OCLC 31903364.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link) 978-0896402768
Franca, Maria; Bass-Ringdahl, Sandie (June 2015). "A clinical demonstration of the application of audiovisual biofeedback in the treatment of puberphonia". International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. 79 (6): 912–920. doi:10.1016/j.ijporl.2015.04.013. PMID 25912681. /wiki/Doi_(identifier)
Diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders. Rubin, John S. (John Stephen). New York: Igaku-Shoin. 1995. ISBN 978-0896402768. OCLC 31903364.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link) 978-0896402768
Diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders. Rubin, John S. (John Stephen). New York: Igaku-Shoin. 1995. ISBN 978-0896402768. OCLC 31903364.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link) 978-0896402768
Diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders. Rubin, John S. (John Stephen). New York: Igaku-Shoin. 1995. ISBN 978-0896402768. OCLC 31903364.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link) 978-0896402768
Diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders. Rubin, John S. (John Stephen). New York: Igaku-Shoin. 1995. ISBN 978-0896402768. OCLC 31903364.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link) 978-0896402768
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Voice disorders and their management. Freeman, Margaret., Fawcus, Margaret. (3rd ed.). London: Whurr. 2000. ISBN 9781861561862. OCLC 53964036.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link) 9781861561862
C., Stemple, Joseph (2014-01-28). Clinical voice pathology : theory and management. Roy, Nelson,, Klaben, Bernice (Fifth ed.). San Diego, CA. ISBN 9781597569330. OCLC 985461970.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) 9781597569330
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"Voice Disorders: Assessment". American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Retrieved 2017-11-11. https://www.asha.org/PRPSpecificTopic.aspx?folderid=8589942600§ion=Assessment
C., Stemple, Joseph (2014-01-28). Clinical voice pathology : theory and management. Roy, Nelson,, Klaben, Bernice (Fifth ed.). San Diego, CA. ISBN 9781597569330. OCLC 985461970.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) 9781597569330
C., Stemple, Joseph (2014-01-28). Clinical voice pathology : theory and management. Roy, Nelson,, Klaben, Bernice (Fifth ed.). San Diego, CA. ISBN 9781597569330. OCLC 985461970.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) 9781597569330
Voice disorders and their management. Freeman, Margaret., Fawcus, Margaret. (3rd ed.). London: Whurr. 2000. ISBN 9781861561862. OCLC 53964036.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link) 9781861561862
Voice disorders and their management. Freeman, Margaret., Fawcus, Margaret. (3rd ed.). London: Whurr. 2000. ISBN 9781861561862. OCLC 53964036.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link) 9781861561862
C., Stemple, Joseph (2014-01-28). Clinical voice pathology : theory and management. Roy, Nelson,, Klaben, Bernice (Fifth ed.). San Diego, CA. ISBN 9781597569330. OCLC 985461970.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) 9781597569330
C., Stemple, Joseph (2014-01-28). Clinical voice pathology : theory and management. Roy, Nelson,, Klaben, Bernice (Fifth ed.). San Diego, CA. ISBN 9781597569330. OCLC 985461970.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) 9781597569330
"Voice Disorders: Assessment". American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Retrieved 2017-11-11. https://www.asha.org/PRPSpecificTopic.aspx?folderid=8589942600§ion=Assessment
"Voice Disorders: Assessment". American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Retrieved 2017-11-11. https://www.asha.org/PRPSpecificTopic.aspx?folderid=8589942600§ion=Assessment
C., Stemple, Joseph (2014-01-28). Clinical voice pathology : theory and management. Roy, Nelson,, Klaben, Bernice (Fifth ed.). San Diego, CA. ISBN 9781597569330. OCLC 985461970.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) 9781597569330
Voice disorders and their management. Freeman, Margaret., Fawcus, Margaret. (3rd ed.). London: Whurr. 2000. ISBN 9781861561862. OCLC 53964036.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link) 9781861561862
"Voice Disorders: Treatment". American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Retrieved 2017-11-11. http://www.asha.org/PRPSpecificTopic.aspx?folderid=8589942600§ion=Treatment
Boone, Daniel R.; MacFarlane, Stephen C.; Von Berg, Shelley L.; Zraick, Richard I. (2010). The voice and voice therapy. Allyn & Bacon.
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Fawcus, Margaret. Voice Disorders and their Management. Springer, Boston, MA. pp. 337–355. ISBN 978-1-4899-2861-0. /wiki/ISBN_(identifier)
Colton, Raymond H.; Casper, Janina K.; Leonard, Rebecca (2011). Understanding Voice Problems: A Physiological Perspective for Diagnosis and Treatment. Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 978-1-60913-874-5. OCLC 660546194.[page needed] 978-1-60913-874-5
"Voice Disorders: Treatment". American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Retrieved 2017-11-11. http://www.asha.org/PRPSpecificTopic.aspx?folderid=8589942600§ion=Treatment
"Voice Disorders: Treatment". American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Retrieved 2017-11-11. http://www.asha.org/PRPSpecificTopic.aspx?folderid=8589942600§ion=Treatment
C., Stemple, Joseph (2014-01-28). Clinical voice pathology : theory and management. Roy, Nelson,, Klaben, Bernice (Fifth ed.). San Diego, CA. ISBN 9781597569330. OCLC 985461970.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) 9781597569330
"Voice Disorders: Treatment". American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Retrieved 2017-11-11. http://www.asha.org/PRPSpecificTopic.aspx?folderid=8589942600§ion=Treatment
Franca, Maria; Bass-Ringdahl, Sandie (June 2015). "A clinical demonstration of the application of audiovisual biofeedback in the treatment of puberphonia". International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. 79 (6): 912–920. doi:10.1016/j.ijporl.2015.04.013. PMID 25912681. /wiki/Doi_(identifier)
Franca, Maria; Bass-Ringdahl, Sandie (June 2015). "A clinical demonstration of the application of audiovisual biofeedback in the treatment of puberphonia". International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology. 79 (6): 912–920. doi:10.1016/j.ijporl.2015.04.013. PMID 25912681. /wiki/Doi_(identifier)
Remacle, Marc; Matar, Nayla (2010). "Relaxation Thyroplasty for Mutational Falsetto Treatment". Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology. 119 (2): 105–109. doi:10.1177/000348941011900207. PMID 20336921. S2CID 28757870. /wiki/Doi_(identifier)
Remacle, Marc; Matar, Nayla (2010). "Relaxation Thyroplasty for Mutational Falsetto Treatment". Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology. 119 (2): 105–109. doi:10.1177/000348941011900207. PMID 20336921. S2CID 28757870. /wiki/Doi_(identifier)
Remacle, Marc; Matar, Nayla (2010). "Relaxation Thyroplasty for Mutational Falsetto Treatment". Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology. 119 (2): 105–109. doi:10.1177/000348941011900207. PMID 20336921. S2CID 28757870. /wiki/Doi_(identifier)
Remacle, Marc; Matar, Nayla (2010). "Relaxation Thyroplasty for Mutational Falsetto Treatment". Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology. 119 (2): 105–109. doi:10.1177/000348941011900207. PMID 20336921. S2CID 28757870. /wiki/Doi_(identifier)
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