ABSTRACT
The larynx grows during puberty. In boys it develops into that of a man in size and shape within a comparatively short time, while girls show changes in a lesser degree. No distinct change of voice can be detected either before, during, or after puberty, in boys or girls. Laryngoscopy may show slight signs of irritation. Retarded change of voice is observed if the larynx starts growing two or three or more years after the somatic development has been completed. The further vocal development generally progresses on normal lines. The notch of the thyroid cartilage describes a downward circle, thereby increasing its distance from the arytenoid cartilages, the posterior attachment of the vocal chords. As a result the vocal chords are stretched and so tensed. The chances for curing Perverted Change of Voice are not very great, as there are no means of achieving a passive shortening of the vocal chords or of stimulating them into the necessary activity.
