Fundamental voice frequency measured by electroglottography during continuous speech. A new exact secondary sex characteristic in boys in puberty

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 1986 Feb;11(1):21-7. doi: 10.1016/s0165-5876(86)80024-6.

Abstract

The variation of fundamental voice frequency measured by the average of 2000 consecutive electroglottographic cycles in a reading situation has been examined in relation to pubertal development and androgens. Fundamental frequency among other parameters was related to height (r -0.82), pubic hair stage (r -0.87), testis volume (r -0.78), total testosterone (r -0.73) and serum hormone binding globulin (r 0.75). Single observations of fundamental frequency show a clear grouping of results under and over 200 Hz. Fundamental frequency of more than 200 Hz and serum testosterone of more than 10 nmol/l probably represent values for a boy in puberty. There seem to be comparable relations with other androgens and with serum hormone binding globulin.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Androgens / blood
  • Body Height
  • Child
  • Electrodiagnosis
  • Glottis / physiology*
  • Hair
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Puberty*
  • Sex Characteristics*
  • Speech / physiology*
  • Testis / anatomy & histology
  • Voice*

Substances

  • Androgens