Is your child's voice changing? (Larynx Growth and Voice Change) – Don't worry, let's talk!

As your child grows up, that is, reaches puberty, you will probably notice many changes, not only in their physical appearance. One of the most important of these is the change in their voice. Especially in boys, their voices become very deep during this time, sometimes breaking and sounding like they are scraping. So, what exactly is this, why does this happen, is this normal, and what should we do if it happens?

What is the reason for this change in voice?

Simply put, the main reason why your child's voice changes this way is because of the larynx in the throat. We also call this the ``Larynx'' or ``Voice Box'' in English. This larynx gradually begins to grow and thicken as the child reaches puberty.

This is actually different for boys and girls. But the enlargement of the larynx in girls is not as severe, that is, it does not happen to a large extent. Therefore, the difference in their voices is also very subtle. Their voices only deepen on a few notes, and sometimes it is not even noticeable. But you will notice that the voices of boys are clearly, very deep .

Why does this voice sometimes break and crackle?

Now you might be thinking, "Okay, if the larynx gets bigger, it makes sense that the voice will get deeper. But why doesn't the voice suddenly get deeper as it gets bigger, and sometimes it makes a cracking sound, a grating sound, or a sudden low sound?" There's a good reason for that. Let's look at it in a little more detail.

How the Larynx and Vocal Cords Work

Let's first understand how sound comes out when we speak. In our throat, we have that `(Larynx)` that I mentioned earlier, that is, the larynx. Inside this, there are two small muscle membranes that stretch back and forth like two rubber bands. We call these the vocal cords . In English, `(Vocal Cords)` is what we call these.

When we speak, the air coming from the lungs passes through these vocal cords, causing them to vibrate. That vibration is what produces sound. It's like the sound produced when you pluck a string on a guitar.

The pitch of this sound changes depending on how tight the vocal cords are, that is, how far they are stretched. Imagine, if you take a small, thin rubber band and stretch it tightly and hit it, it will make a low, high sound, right? Similarly, if you take a large, thick rubber band and hit it, it will make a heavy, deep sound. That's how our vocal cords work.

What happens when you reach puberty?

Before a boy reaches puberty, his larynx is very small. And his vocal cords are also thin and small. That's why their voices are lower and higher pitched than adults.

But as the child reaches puberty, the ``Larynx`` gradually begins to grow larger due to hormonal changes in the body. At the same time, the ``Vocal Cords`` also grow longer and thicker. It's like a big, fat rubber band replacing the small rubber band.

Not only that, but the bones of the face also grow during this time. The air cavities in the nose and back of the throat, which we also call ``Sinuses,'' also get bigger. This gives the voice more room to resonate, or ``resonate.'' All of this together is what gradually deepens the voice.

So, as your child's body adjusts to this new, enlarged `(Larynx)` and other changes, their voice may sometimes 'break'. It may suddenly become a low sound, or it may become a high-pitched sound. It's like walking a little harder for a few days after you put on a new pair of shoes. This is temporary. This 'break' usually only lasts a few months. Once the `(Larynx)` is fully developed, your child's voice will return to its normal, steady, controlled pitch.

Is this really normal?

Yes, absolutely! Those cracked, broken, and raspy voices you hear in boys' voices are just a completely normal, natural part of puberty. This is not a disease or anything to be afraid of.

As you reach puberty, your body gradually gets used to the new, enlarged larynx. Then the cracking and cracking of your voice gradually decreases. After that, your new, deeper voice becomes much more stable and easier to control. So don't worry about this in any way.

What is this 'Adam's Apple'?

You've probably seen a lumpy part of the throat that protrudes forward in boys and even older men. We call it the 'Adam's Apple'. In English, this is called the ``Adam's Apple''.

This is caused by the larynx growing larger. As the larynx grows, it tilts slightly at a different angle inside the neck, and one part of it protrudes forward like that. So this is also a common thing for boys during puberty.

Girls' larynx also grows, but not as much as boys'. That's why girls don't develop the obvious 'Adam's Apple'.

When will this change happen? Is it the same time for everyone?

This is also a problem that many parents have. You may think, "Oh, the kid next door's voice has changed, but our son hasn't yet." But the truth is, not all children start to develop this voice at the same time. Some boys' voices may start to change a little earlier, while others may start a little later. It varies from child to child. So don't compare yourself to others.

Typically, a boy's voice begins to change between the ages of 11 and 14 ½. This often happens shortly after the body's biggest growth spurt.

Similarly, some children's voices are very soft and change gradually. For others, it can change quickly, almost suddenly. This is all normal, so don't worry about it.

What do you do if your child is having trouble with this?

Sometimes, when their voice changes or breaks, children may feel a little embarrassed, ashamed, or even embarrassed. They may even be afraid that their friends will make fun of them at school. Because that age is a very sensitive time.

At that time, you should talk to your child. Make him understand that this is only temporary , and that everyone goes through this phase to some extent. Reassure him by saying things like, "Son, this is not just for you, all boys go through this. Your friends must have had this too, or they will." Make him feel that this is not just his problem.

Remind him that after a few months, his voice will become a steady, deep voice, like that of an adult.

The most important thing is to give your child love, understanding, and support. When he feels that this is normal, the burden and shame he feels will be greatly reduced. Encourage him that this is just another thing that will happen when he grows up.

Brief points to remember

Okay, so, from what we've talked about, these are the most important things you need to remember:

• It is completely normal and natural for boys to have a deepening and sometimes cracking voice as they reach puberty. It is not a disease.
• The main reason for this is that the larynx and vocal cords in the throat are developing during this time.
• The cracking and hoarseness of the voice is temporary. This condition will disappear within a few months, and a stable, deep voice will be achieved.
• An 'Adam's Apple' is formed due to the enlargement of the larynx. This is also normal.
• The time and speed at which each child's voice changes may vary. Don't compare them to others.
• If your child is feeling uncomfortable or embarrassed about this, talk to them, explain that this is normal and temporary, and support them. Your understanding will be a great strength for them.

So, if your child is going through this time, understand him/her and give him/her the support he/she needs. This is just part of a beautiful chapter in life!

Voice Change, Puberty, Larynx, Voice Change, Puberty, Boys, Adam's Apple, Vocal Cords