heliumääni

Heliumääni, a Finnish term, directly translates to "helium voice." It refers to the temporary alteration of vocal pitch that occurs when a person inhales helium. This phenomenon is commonly observed after consuming helium from balloons, often at parties or celebrations. The increased density of helium compared to air causes the vocal cords to vibrate at a higher frequency, resulting in a higher-pitched, often squeaky, voice. While generally harmless when done in moderation, prolonged or excessive inhalation of helium can displace oxygen in the lungs, leading to potential risks such as dizziness, loss of consciousness, or even asphyxiation. The effect of heliumääni is temporary and the voice typically returns to its normal pitch within a short period as the helium is exhaled and replaced by air. The scientific principle behind this voice modification is related to the speed of sound, which travels faster through helium than air, thereby altering the resonance of the vocal tract and the perceived pitch of the voice.