Puberphonia

<p>Puberphonia (also known as mutational falsetto, functional falsetto, incomplete mutation, adolescent falsetto, or pubescent falsetto) is a <a href="/facts/Functional_disorder/Ren4yDkM">functional</a> <a href="/facts/List_of_voice_disorders/3zt2CEY8">voice disorder</a> that is characterized by the habitual use of a high-pitched voice after puberty, hence why many refer to the disorder as resulting in a '<a href="/facts/Falsetto/EKSCxHhz">falsetto</a>' voice.  The voice may also be heard as <a href="/facts/Breathy_voice/ynD4GYNn">breathy</a>, rough, and lacking in power. The onset of puberphonia usually occurs in adolescence, between the ages of 11 and 15 years, at the same time as changes related to <a href="/facts/Puberty/vjfPAKf4">puberty</a> are occurring. This disorder usually occurs in the absence of other communication disorders.
</p><p>There is a higher male prevalence of puberphonia, as the voice disorder is characterized by a high pitch that would be inappropriate for the age and sex of the patient. Typically, individuals with puberphonia do not present with underlying anatomical abnormalities. Instead, the disorder is usually <a href="/facts/Psychogenic_disease/vp6dKHBf">psychogenic</a> in nature, meaning resulting from psychological or emotional factors, and stems from inappropriate use of the voice mechanism. The habitual use of a high pitch while speaking is associated with tense muscles surrounding the vocal folds. Assessment and treatment of puberphonia is usually conducted by a <a href="/facts/Speech-language_pathology/VDaK0JCk">speech-language pathologist</a> (S-LP) or an <a href="/facts/Otorhinolaryngology/2xejc7Rq">otolaryngologist</a> (ENT). Puberphonia is not a disorder that is likely to go away on its own. Without treatment, the changes in the patient's voice can become permanent. Treatment can involve direct <a href="/facts/Voice_therapy/7JWB67YH">voice therapy</a>, indirect voice therapy, or audiovisual feedback.
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Puberphonia open-in-new

Puberphonia