äänenmuutos

Äänenmuutos, a Finnish term, refers to the phenomenon of voice change, primarily observed during puberty. In males, this change is most significant due to hormonal shifts, particularly increased testosterone levels. The larynx (voice box) grows larger, and the vocal cords thicken and lengthen, causing the voice to deepen. This process typically begins in early adolescence and can take several months or even a couple of years to complete. During this period, the voice may fluctuate, becoming hoarse or cracking unpredictably. This is often referred to as the "breaking" of the voice.

While the most prominent voice change occurs in males, females also experience subtle vocal changes during puberty. Their voices may deepen slightly, but to a much lesser extent than in males. Other factors can also influence voice change throughout life, including medical conditions, aging, and the use of certain medications. In some contexts, "äänenmuutos" might also refer to intentional voice modification techniques used in acting or singing to alter vocal pitch, tone, or quality for artistic purposes.