Häälsidevahetus

Häälsidevahetus is an Estonian term that translates to "voice change" or "vocal mutation." It refers to the significant physiological transformation that occurs in the voice of individuals, primarily during puberty. This change is most pronounced in males but also affects females, albeit to a lesser extent.

During puberty, hormonal changes, particularly the increase in testosterone in males, cause the larynx (voice box) to enlarge and the vocal cords to lengthen and thicken. This results in a deeper pitch. For males, the voice can drop by an octave or more. This process is often gradual and can involve a period of instability where the voice cracks or breaks, a phenomenon commonly referred to as "voice breaking." In females, the larynx also enlarges, and the vocal cords thicken, leading to a lower pitch, but the change is typically less dramatic than in males.

The timing and extent of häälsidevahetus can vary significantly from person to person. Factors such as genetics and overall physical development play a role. While primarily associated with puberty, minor voice changes can occur throughout life due to hormonal fluctuations or other physiological reasons. The term häälsidevahetus specifically denotes the developmental voice change occurring during adolescence.