During puberty, the larynx undergoes significant changes, particularly in males, as the body produces more testosterone. Here's what typically happens:
Males:
- Larynx enlargement: The larynx, commonly known as the voice box, grows in size and descends, leading to a lower pitch in the voice.
- Increased vocal cord length and thickness: The vocal cords become longer and thicker, resulting in a wider pitch range.
As a result of these changes, males experience their vocal range expanding and dropping in pitch. They may develop a lower register and increased vocal power.
Females:
- Smaller larynx growth: While females also experience some larynx enlargement, it's generally less significant compared to males.
- Subtler vocal cord changes: The vocal cords in females tend to lengthen and thicken to a lesser degree than in males, resulting in more subtle changes in vocal range.
In general, females may notice a slight deepening of their voice after puberty, but not as dramatic as in males.
It's important to note that individual variation exists. Not all individuals experience the same level of vocal range expansion or change after puberty. Some may notice more pronounced changes while others may experience less significant shifts in their vocal capabilities.