During puberty, the larynx (voice box) grows larger, and the vocal cords become longer and thicker. This causes the voice to drop in pitch and sound deeper. The voice may also become more resonant and louder.
The deepening of the voice is caused by several factors, including:
- Increased levels of testosterone: Testosterone is a hormone that is produced in greater amounts during puberty. It causes the larynx to grow larger and the vocal cords to become thicker.
- Increased lung capacity: As the lungs grow larger during puberty, they can hold more air. This allows for more powerful vocalizations.
- Changes in the vocal cords: The vocal cords become longer and thicker during puberty. This causes the voice to drop in pitch.
- Changes in the vocal tract: The vocal tract (the space between the larynx and the lips) also changes shape during puberty. This affects the way sound waves travel through the vocal tract, which can further alter the voice's quality.
The deepening of the voice is a natural part of puberty and is usually not a cause for concern. However, if you are concerned about your voice, you should talk to your doctor.