Volksstaffel
Rightful FUOTY winner
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This thread includes a deep dive into these methods to deepen your voice:
Extra:
How does the voice and it's pitch even work?
This might be useful for understanding the stufies later in this thread.
How do we produce voice?
(Watch after 1:51)
Why do our voices have different pitches?
For a lower pitch the vocal folds are:
Well now that we know how the voice works, let's look at the methods there are to change our body to produce a lower pitch.
1. Testosterone "therapy"
First of all, let's look at studies on if testosterone affects the voice:
Study Title:
Effects of testosterone on speech production
Speech production: specifically how testosterone correlates with acoustic features of the voice (for example pitch).
Key Findings
Next let's find out the effect of testosterone on the voice during different stages in life:
1. Childhood
link.springer.com
2. Puberty
link.springer.com
3. After puberty
link.springer.com
biologyinsights.com
But:
Minor voice effects can occur on testosterone therapy in adults!
Although large structural changes are unlikely after puberty, there can still be effects at the level of soft tissue when testosterone is administered (for example in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT))
Vocal fold tissue mass
Testosterone can cause a slight thickening of the soft tissues of the vocal folds in adults. This can lead to:
biologyinsights.com
4. Senescence (old age)
link.springer.com
Tldr:
Okay so we know now that the voice is changing due to testosterone during puberty and slightly after puberty.
But what about the type of testosterone? Does injecting testosterone have the same effect as naturally produced test?
Well sadly there are no studies on it that I could find.
What I was able to find are many case reports, saying that there were permanent changes to the voice.
Conclusion:
(This is my own opinion, feel free to read the studies and interpret them yourselfs)
2. Thyroplasty
(Type III thyroplasty)
Definition
A laryngeal framework surgery designed to lower the fundamental frequency (pitch) of the voice by altering the structure of the thyroid cartilage, shortening and relaxing the vocal folds.
Purpose
Typically used in cases of high‑pitched voice disorders (..., persistent high pitch after puberty) when voice therapy alone is insufficient.
Mechanism
The procedure reduces the anteroposterior dimension of the thyroid cartilage, which decreases tension on the vocal folds so they vibrate at a lower frequency.
Technique
A strip of thyroid cartilage is removed or reshaped, and the cartilage is sutured back to shorten and relax the vocal folds. The surgery may be done under local or general anesthesia.
Effectiveness
Studies report significant reductions in fundamental frequency
(mean drops of ~48-76 Hz or more).
Example of a 50 Hz difference:
150 Hz
100 Hz
Risks:
Like all surgeries, it carries risks like scarring, hoarseness, altered voice quality, airway or swallowing issues.
Costs:
Between 5-10k. Depending on hospital fees and type of anesthesia.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
www.healthline.com
3. Vocal Fold Augmentation
How it works
Filler is injected into one or both vocal folds to increase their volume.
The effectiveness and duration depend on the material used:
Results and longevity
Studies show significant improvement in voice quality after vocal fold augmentation in patients with glottic insufficiency, with better closure and improved phonation measures.
Longterm outcomes show many patients remain satisfied with voice results after augmentation.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Effects on pitch
Vocal fold augmentation is not primarily aimed at lowering pitch for cosmetic voice deepening (like thyroplasty).
It is most commonly used to treat voice disorders, not pitch lowering.
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Costs:
Between 2k and 7k, depends on the filler and other variables.
Conclusion:
Not worth it. You'd have to be very lucky for this treatment being beneficial for lowering your voice pitch. Thyroplasty but worse, maybe a bit safer.
4. Unfitting procedures:
(Wendler) Glottoplasty:
There's a procedure called "(Wendler) Glottoplasty", but it's usually used to raise the pitch, not lower it.
Laser-Assisted Voice Adjustment (LAVA)
A CO₂ laser removes superficial tissue to increase stiffness, which makes the folds vibrate faster, resulting in a higher pitch.
Used for altering pitch or when glottoplasty is not desired.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Rating of the different procedures:
Testosterone "therapy":
Effectiveness
☆☆
Price
Riskiness
☆☆
Type III Thyroplasty:
Effectiveness
Price
☆☆☆☆
Riskiness
☆☆☆☆
Vocal Fold Augmentation:
Effectiveness
☆☆☆☆
Price
☆☆
Riskiness
☆☆
Alright guys I hope you liked the thread, I don't really know what to say anymore
Bye, Volk
- Testosterone "therapy"
- Thyroplasty (Type III thyroplasty)
- Vocal fold augmentation
- Unfitting procedures
Extra:
How does the voice and it's pitch even work?
This might be useful for understanding the stufies later in this thread.
How do we produce voice?
(Watch after 1:51)
- Inside your throat (larynx/voice box) are two small muscles called vocal folds.
- When you speak they come close together.
- Air passes between them, making them vibrate.
- These vibrations create sound waves —> this is your raw voice sound.
Why do our voices have different pitches?
For a lower pitch the vocal folds are:
- looser
- shorter
- thicker
- vibrate slower
Well now that we know how the voice works, let's look at the methods there are to change our body to produce a lower pitch.
1. Testosterone "therapy"
First of all, let's look at studies on if testosterone affects the voice:
Study Title:
Effects of testosterone on speech production
Speech production: specifically how testosterone correlates with acoustic features of the voice (for example pitch).
Methods
Participants:
30 healthy adult males (average age is 22).
Measures:
Participants:
30 healthy adult males (average age is 22).
Measures:
- Saliva samples taken at 3 times across the day to measure testosterone and cortisol.
- Multiple speech tasks.
- Analysis: Compared hormone levels with acoustic measures (fundamental frequency and formants).
Key Findings
- Testosterone was associated with lower mean fundamental frequency (f₀) —> deeper voices.
- Cortisol moderated the relationship (higher cortisol weakened the testosterone-pitch link). Interesting
- Higher testosterone in men correlates with a lower (deeper) pitch!
- cortisol influences how strong the hormonal effect on voice pitch appears.
Next let's find out the effect of testosterone on the voice during different stages in life:
1. Childhood
- After birth boys have a temporary surge of testosterone.
- The larynx is smaller and more pliable in children before adolescence.
Effect of sex hormones on human voice physiology: from childhood to senescence - Hormones
The aim of the present literature review is to describe the influence of sex hormones on the human voice in physiological conditions. As a secondary sexual organ, the larynx is affected by sex hormones and may change considerably over the lifespan. In the current review, sex hormone-related...
link.springer.com
2. Puberty
- Puberty causes the largest hormone-driven voice changes.
- Testosterone in males stimulates laryngeal growth - vocal fold lengthening and thickening - leading to a dramatic drop in pitch (~1 octave).
- Androgen receptors are present in vocal fold tissues, so sex hormones directly act on voice organs.
Effect of sex hormones on human voice physiology: from childhood to senescence - Hormones
The aim of the present literature review is to describe the influence of sex hormones on the human voice in physiological conditions. As a secondary sexual organ, the larynx is affected by sex hormones and may change considerably over the lifespan. In the current review, sex hormone-related...
link.springer.com
3. After puberty
- Once male puberty is complete, the larynx and vocal folds have already undergone the major structural changes (lengthening and thickening) that produce the characteristic deeper male pitch. After this point, further increases in testosterone levels generally do not cause major structural enlargement of the vocal folds in adults the way they do during puberty.
- In adults, the larynx cartilage has hardened and is no longer highly responsive to hormone-driven structural growth, so pitch changes from testosterone alone tend to be subtle and limited.
Effect of sex hormones on human voice physiology: from childhood to senescence - Hormones
The aim of the present literature review is to describe the influence of sex hormones on the human voice in physiological conditions. As a secondary sexual organ, the larynx is affected by sex hormones and may change considerably over the lifespan. In the current review, sex hormone-related...
link.springer.com
Does Testosterone Replacement Therapy Change Your Voice?
Clarifying the effects of TRT on the adult voice. Learn the mechanism and why age determines the extent of pitch changes.
biologyinsights.com
But:
Minor voice effects can occur on testosterone therapy in adults!
Although large structural changes are unlikely after puberty, there can still be effects at the level of soft tissue when testosterone is administered (for example in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT))
Vocal fold tissue mass
Testosterone can cause a slight thickening of the soft tissues of the vocal folds in adults. This can lead to:
- A slightly deeper pitch
- A perceived rougher tone
- These effects are generally much smaller compared to puberty changes but can be noticeable to the individual or listeners.
Does Testosterone Replacement Therapy Change Your Voice?
Clarifying the effects of TRT on the adult voice. Learn the mechanism and why age determines the extent of pitch changes.
biologyinsights.com
4. Senescence (old age)
- Testosterone levels slowly decline with age, contributing to muscle atrophy in vocal folds, reduced vocal strength, and a slightly higher pitch in elderly males.
Effect of sex hormones on human voice physiology: from childhood to senescence - Hormones
The aim of the present literature review is to describe the influence of sex hormones on the human voice in physiological conditions. As a secondary sexual organ, the larynx is affected by sex hormones and may change considerably over the lifespan. In the current review, sex hormone-related...
link.springer.com
Tldr:
- Before puberty: Testosterone has a powerful and lasting effect on voice due to structural growth of the larynx and vocal folds.
- After puberty: The vocal apparatus is mostly matured. Dramatic changes are not typical with high testosterone alone.
- Possible effects in adults:
- Slight deepening of pitch
- (Temporary hoarseness as tissues adapt)
- These effects are generally modest compared with the changes seen during puberty. - Senescence: slight feminization of the voice due to dropping testosterone levels
Okay so we know now that the voice is changing due to testosterone during puberty and slightly after puberty.
But what about the type of testosterone? Does injecting testosterone have the same effect as naturally produced test?
Well sadly there are no studies on it that I could find.
What I was able to find are many case reports, saying that there were permanent changes to the voice.
Conclusion:
(This is my own opinion, feel free to read the studies and interpret them yourselfs)
- Like most compounds used for looksmaxxing, test also works best during puberty for voice deepening.
- During puberty there's overwhelming evidence for high testosterone levels leading to the wanted results.
- After puberty test is likely to cause changes in the voice, just less than during puberty.
2. Thyroplasty
(Type III thyroplasty)
Definition
A laryngeal framework surgery designed to lower the fundamental frequency (pitch) of the voice by altering the structure of the thyroid cartilage, shortening and relaxing the vocal folds.
Purpose
Typically used in cases of high‑pitched voice disorders (..., persistent high pitch after puberty) when voice therapy alone is insufficient.
Mechanism
The procedure reduces the anteroposterior dimension of the thyroid cartilage, which decreases tension on the vocal folds so they vibrate at a lower frequency.
Technique
A strip of thyroid cartilage is removed or reshaped, and the cartilage is sutured back to shorten and relax the vocal folds. The surgery may be done under local or general anesthesia.
Effectiveness
Studies report significant reductions in fundamental frequency
(mean drops of ~48-76 Hz or more).
Example of a 50 Hz difference:
150 Hz
100 Hz
Risks:
Like all surgeries, it carries risks like scarring, hoarseness, altered voice quality, airway or swallowing issues.
Costs:
Between 5-10k. Depending on hospital fees and type of anesthesia.
Type III Thyroplasty for Patients With High-Pitched Voice Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis - PubMed
Type III thyroplasty effectively lowers vocal pitch in patients with high-pitched voice disorders. The procedure is viable for both cisgender and transgender men, as well as for primary and secondary voice disorders.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Relaxation thyroplasty for mutational falsetto treatment - PubMed
Mutational falsetto voice is considered to be a psychogenic disorder associated with the rejection of adulthood. The initial treatment must include speech therapy and psychotherapy. However, delayed treatment and denial of the problem can cause the disorder to become recalcitrant to behavioral...
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Thyroplasty: Types, Side Effects, Recovery, and More
Thyroplasty can be useful in a variety of situations, from paralyzed vocal cords to gender confirmation surgery. Keep reading to learn more.
www.healthline.com
3. Vocal Fold Augmentation
How it works
Filler is injected into one or both vocal folds to increase their volume.
The effectiveness and duration depend on the material used:
- Long-lasting / permanent materials include autologous fat and calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA).
- Some materials may stimulate new tissue growth, extending the augmented effect.
- (Temporary materials (like hyaluronic acid) are absorbed over months.)
Results and longevity
Studies show significant improvement in voice quality after vocal fold augmentation in patients with glottic insufficiency, with better closure and improved phonation measures.
Longterm outcomes show many patients remain satisfied with voice results after augmentation.
Augmentation laryngoplasty: Results and decision plan - PubMed
In case of dysphonia secondary to glottic insufficiency, augmentation laryngoplasty using various injectable materials has proven to be an effective option across a range of different etiologies, as it results in significant improvements in voice quality. The choice of the injectable material...
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Effects on pitch
Vocal fold augmentation is not primarily aimed at lowering pitch for cosmetic voice deepening (like thyroplasty).
It is most commonly used to treat voice disorders, not pitch lowering.
Vocal Fold Injection: Review of Indications, Techniques, and Materials for Augmentation - PMC
Vocal fold injection is a procedure that has over a 100 year history but was rarely done as short as 20 years ago. A renaissance has occurred with respect to vocal fold injection due to new technologies (visualization and materials) and new ...
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Costs:
Between 2k and 7k, depends on the filler and other variables.
Conclusion:
Not worth it. You'd have to be very lucky for this treatment being beneficial for lowering your voice pitch. Thyroplasty but worse, maybe a bit safer.
4. Unfitting procedures:
(Wendler) Glottoplasty:
There's a procedure called "(Wendler) Glottoplasty", but it's usually used to raise the pitch, not lower it.
Laser-Assisted Voice Adjustment (LAVA)
A CO₂ laser removes superficial tissue to increase stiffness, which makes the folds vibrate faster, resulting in a higher pitch.
Used for altering pitch or when glottoplasty is not desired.
Laser-assisted voice adjustment (LAVA) in transsexuals - PubMed
LAVA provides a conservative treatment for androphonia. Postoperative voice therapy may optimize outcomes.
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Rating of the different procedures:
Testosterone "therapy":
Effectiveness
☆☆Price
Riskiness
☆☆Type III Thyroplasty:
Effectiveness
Price
☆☆☆☆Riskiness
☆☆☆☆Vocal Fold Augmentation:
Effectiveness
☆☆☆☆Price
☆☆Riskiness
☆☆Alright guys I hope you liked the thread, I don't really know what to say anymore
Bye, Volk
