During puberty, under the influence of growth and hormones, respiratory, phonation and resonance organs begin to develop, and accordingly, the pitch and quality of the voice begin to change. These changes are more evident in boys than in girls. While there is no difference between the two genders in the average fundamental frequency of speech sounds before puberty, the difference begins with the onset of puberty; By the end of this period, it drops one octave in boys and 3-5 semitones in girls, reaching the adult level.
Mutational falsetto is an abnormally thin voice pitch that occurs during puberty and can continue until old age if left untreated. It is basically a pitch disorder characterized by pitch breaks and monophonic speech. Although there is no anatomical or physiological disorder in these patients, their speaking voice has a much higher pitched and metallic tone than it should because the vocal behavior pattern cannot adapt to the new physioanatomy.
Although mutational falsetto can be seen in both genders, the voice pitch in girls is higher than it should be.
Since the change is less frequent, it does not attract attention and is therefore difficult to notice. Therefore, mutational falsetto can be considered a problem of boys, especially those with a baritone structure, during puberty.
In individuals diagnosed with mutational falsetto, the voice has a much thinner pitch depending on age and gender, as well as the larynx being in an abnormally high position. Sound characteristics such as poor volume control, problems with sound power and pitch breaks are encountered. Patients mostly state that they feel more comfortable in the falsetto register, but they suffer because the voice produced has a negative communicative tone for them.
Because mutational falsetto causes psychosocial problems, it is possible that it may lead to judgments about sexual identity, especially in conservative societies. Mutational falsetto patients may face problems such as introversion, lack of communication, anger and depression over time. Therefore, the treatment process of the disease does not consist only of certain exercises; The patient must be informed in detail and prepared for the new voice through guidance, explanation and consultation. Acceptance of the new voice and its use in daily life are part of the treatment. It is an important criterion for termination.
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