My son is 10 and I think his voice is already starting to
change. I'm worried
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and he's self-conscious
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because none of the other boys his age are experiencing this.
Is he hitting puberty too soon?
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Jillian
When boys and girls begin puberty, the larynx (voice box) grows
larger and thicker. It happens in both boys and girls, but the
change is more evident in boys. Girls' voices only deepen by a
couple of tones and the change is barely noticeable. Boys'
voices, however, start to get significantly deeper.
When a boy reaches puberty, the production of testosterone
increases (just as estrogen production increases in girls).
Testosterone, which is produced in the testicles and then travels
through the blood throughout the body, causes the cartilage of his
larynx to grow. Along with the larynx, the vocal cords grow
significantly longer and become thicker. In addition, the facial
bones begin to grow. Cavities in the sinuses, the nose, and the
back of the throat grow bigger, creating more space in the face and
giving the voice more room to resonate.
Keep in mind that each child develops at a different pace, so a
boy's voice might change anywhere between ages 11 and
141/2, usually just after the major growth spurt. Some boys'
voices change gradually, whereas others' change quickly.
If your son is concerned, stressed, or embarrassed about the
sound of his voice, let him know that it's only temporary and
that everyone goes through it to some extent. After a few months,
he'll likely have the resonant, deep, and full voice of an
adult!
For more information, check out these articles:
Understanding Puberty
Talking to Your Child About Puberty
Your Child's Changing Voice
For Teens: Why Is My Voice Changing?
For Kids: Your Changing Voice
Reviewed by:
Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: January 2007
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