Voice changes can occur for various reasons, often depending on age, health, and environmental factors. In adolescence, hormonal changes during puberty cause the vocal cords to thicken and lengthen, resulting in a deeper voice, particularly for boys. For adults, voice changes may stem from overuse, illness, or conditions like laryngitis, acid reflux, or vocal cord nodules. Aging can also impact the voice, as muscles weaken and vocal cords lose elasticity over time. If voice changes are sudden, persistent, or accompanied by discomfort, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to identify and address any underlying issues.
A changing voice is one of the many changes that occur during puberty for both girls and boys. Here’s what happens when your voice starts to change.
What Causes My Voice to Change?
During puberty, boys’ bodies start producing more of the hormone testosterone. This hormone triggers changes in various parts of the body, including the voice. One of the main changes is that the larynx, or voice box, grows larger.
The larynx, located in the throat at the top of the trachea (windpipe), is like a hollow tube about 2 inches (5 centimeters) tall. It plays a key role in creating the sound of your voice. Inside the larynx are two muscles called vocal cords, which are similar to rubber bands.
When you breathe, your vocal cords relax and move against the walls of the larynx, allowing air to flow in and out of your lungs. When you speak, the vocal cords stretch across the larynx and close together. Air from your lungs then passes between the vocal cords, causing them to vibrate and produce sound.
As your larynx grows, your vocal cords become longer and thicker. At the same time, your facial bones and the cavities in your sinuses, nose, and throat also grow larger. This extra space allows your voice to echo more, causing it to get deeper.
Think of it like a guitar: when you pluck a thin string, it produces a high-pitched sound. When you pluck a thicker string, it produces a deeper sound. Similarly, before your growth spurt, your larynx is smaller and your vocal cords are thinner, giving you a higher voice. As they grow, your voice becomes deeper, sounding more like an adult’s.
Along with the changes in your voice, you may notice that your throat looks different. For boys, the larger larynx tilts at a different angle, creating a bump in the front of the throat called the Adam’s apple. Girls’ larynxes also grow, but not as much, so they don’t develop Adam’s apples.
Why Is My Voice So Hard to Control?
As your body adjusts to these changes, your voice can be difficult to control. Boys’ voices often «crack» or «break» during this time because their larynx is still getting used to its new size. Luckily, this stage is temporary and usually only lasts a few months.
Some boys’ voices change gradually, while others change quickly. You might feel embarrassed or stressed about your voice, but most people understand—especially those who have experienced it too. It takes time to get used to your larger larynx and the new sound of your voice.
When Will My Voice Change?
You may notice that some of your friends have cracking voices, others already have deeper voices, and some still sound the same. Everyone’s voice changes at a different time, usually between the ages of 11 and 15, but it can happen earlier or later. It all depends on when you go through puberty.
How Deep Will My Voice Get?
The depth of your voice depends on the size of your larynx, the thickness of your vocal cords, and the size of the resonating area. Once your larynx has fully grown, your voice will become more stable and easier to control. However, even after the initial change during your teenage years, your voice will continue to develop and won’t fully mature until you’re in your twenties.