An average of one octave thickening occurs in the vocal cords of male individuals, mostly due to the structural changes seen during adolescence. Mutational Falsetto, that is, falset voice, is the continuation of the subtle state of the voice without any organic cause. It causes the male individual's voice to sound childish and seriously reduces the quality of life. 

"MY VOICE IS LIKE A CHILD'S VOICE",

"MY VOICE IS TOO THIN",

"THEY THINK I'M ON THE PHONEComplaints such as " are hallmarks of mutational falsettony.

 

Although this change in men shows personal differences, it can be seen as a period of several years between the ages of 11-18. Voice change has stages such as the initial stage (premutation), the stage of change (mutation), the stage after the change (postmutation), and the name mutational falsetto is given due to the fact that it has a thinner voice than it should be, despite the end of the change stage.

The changes that occur in men during puberty are as follows;

• Lung capacity (vital capacity) increases significantly, so the loudness of the voice increases

• The vocal cord lengthens

• The angle between the larynx cartilage (thyroid) wings (lamina) narrows

• The larynx goes down from where it is

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In patients with mutational falsetto, the required thickening does not occur with these changes, and pitch breaks are observed in the voice.

Puberphonia treatment is voice therapy. Digital manipulation, visual biofeedback therapy can be applied.
In very rare cases that are resistant to therapy, surgery may be used. Type 3 thyroplasty (relaxation laryngoplasty) or window anterior commissure laryngoplasty as described by Isshiki can be applied.

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MUTATIONAL FALSETTO TREATMENT WITH VOICE THERAPY

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Mutational Falsetto treatment is easier than other voice disorders and gives definite results. With voice therapy, it is usually resolved in a single session and the patient regains a voice appropriate for his or her age. In some cases, although rare, the treatment may take several sessions. The sound therapy session is approximately 40 minutes and individual sessions are held.

 

The therapist finds the basic frequency that should be according to the larynx structure of the individual by intervening in the larynx (larynx). Then, the fundamental frequency is fixed by the visual feedback method. The patient is asked to speak by controlling his voice, staying within the frequency range recognized for him.

 

In mutational falsetto treatment, it is recommended that the patient receive psychotherapy support along with voice therapy. The reason for this is that this problem may lead to traumas in the social and psychological life of the patient.

Mutational falsetto can cause self-confidence problems. They can be introverted and reserved. They may become asocial over time by experiencing problems in their social relations, school and work life. As long as this disorder is not treated, it will continue in older ages and cause a decrease in the quality of life of the person.

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In conclusion, mutational falsetto is a pitch disorder that can be easily treated with voice therapy if diagnosed early. Generallyin 1-2 sessionsimprovement is seen.