Puberphonia treatment by UMAR

We use pharyngeal phonation to treat puberphonia. Scientific research explanation.

Difference between laryngeal and pharyngeal phonation

1. Primary vibrating structure

Laryngeal phonation: Vocal folds (true cords) in the larynx.

Pharyngeal phonation: Pharyngeal walls, soft palate, and uvular region contribute significantly to sound generation/resonance.

2. Anatomical focus

Laryngeal: Glottis and intrinsic laryngeal muscles.

Pharyngeal: Pharynx (oro- and hypopharynx), soft palate, uvula, and surrounding constrictor muscles.

3. Pitch characteristics

Laryngeal: Pitch primarily determined by vocal-fold length, tension, and mass.

Pharyngeal: Pitch tends to be low and more stable, influenced by pharyngeal space and airflow coupling.

4. Voice quality

Laryngeal: Clear, flexible, easily variable; can become thin or strained with misuse.

Pharyngeal: Deeper, fuller, more resonant; often perceived as robust or “chesty.”

5. Airflow and breath use

Laryngeal: Fine control at the glottis; smaller resonating cavity.

Pharyngeal: Broader airflow engagement through the vocal tract; larger resonating cavity.

6. Effort and fatigue

Laryngeal: Higher risk of vocal fatigue and strain with prolonged or forced use.

Pharyngeal: Typically less strain when well coordinated; distributes effort across the vocal tract.

7. Clinical associations

Laryngeal: Normal speech and singing; also implicated in hyperfunctional voice disorders when overused.

Pharyngeal: Observed in compensatory voicing (e.g., alaryngeal speech) and therapeutic approaches in puberphonia treatment.

Dr M Kumaresan, 9841055774