Men have deeper voices than women and children primarily due to hormonal changes during puberty that affect the larynx.
Hormonal Influence on Voice Depth
The primary reason for men's deeper voices is the influence of testosterone during puberty. This hormone causes significant changes in the larynx (voice box).
- Laryngeal Changes: As explained by Jenkins (1998), the larynx undergoes considerable modification in males during puberty.
- Vocal Fold Lengthening and Thickening: Increased testosterone levels cause the vocal folds to lengthen and thicken permanently.
- Lowered Fundamental Frequency: This change in the vocal folds lowers the fundamental frequency of the voice, resulting in a deeper sound.
Understanding the Mechanics
To understand this better, consider the following table summarizing the differences:
| Feature | Male | Female/Child |
|---|---|---|
| Hormone | Higher Testosterone | Lower Testosterone |
| Vocal Folds | Longer and Thicker | Shorter and Thinner |
| Voice Pitch | Lower (Deeper) | Higher |
| Larynx Size | Larger | Smaller |
Puberty and Voice Change: A Step-by-Step View
- Pre-Puberty: Before puberty, the larynx is relatively small in both boys and girls, resulting in similar voice pitches.
- Onset of Puberty: As boys enter puberty, their bodies start producing more testosterone.
- Larynx Growth: Testosterone stimulates the growth of the larynx.
- Vocal Fold Development: The vocal folds lengthen and thicken, causing the voice to deepen.
- Permanent Change: These changes are permanent, leading to the characteristic deeper male voice.
In summary, the deeper voices in men are a direct result of hormonal changes during puberty, which cause physical alterations in the larynx, specifically the lengthening and thickening of the vocal folds (Jenkins, 1998).
