Your Voice Doesn’t Match Who You Are? A Gentle Look at Puberphonia, Pitch, and the Power of Vocal Support for Adults.
Man walking down road
You don’t have to live with a voice that makes you feel misunderstood, underestimated, or unseen.
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get talked about nearly enough: your voice.
Not the figurative “voice” (though I deeply care about that too and could go on ad nauseam about that), but your actual vocal sound: the pitch, tone, resonance, the thing people hear when you speak out loud.
If you're an adult who’s ever thought:
“Why do people say I sound younger than I am?”
“Why do I lose my voice so easily?”
“Why doesn’t my voice match who I feel I am inside?”
“Is this something I just have to live with?”
The answer is: No, you don’t have to live with it. And no, you’re not alone.
So, what is puberphonia?
Puberphonia, also known as mutational falsetto, functional falsetto, and a myriad of other diagnostic names, is when a person retains a higher-pitched voice even after puberty. It’s most commonly noticed in men, but not exclusively. And while it has a very medical-sounding name, it isn’t always rooted in a physical problem. Often, it’s functional, meaning the voice is capable of change, but the muscle coordination and use patterns just haven’t shifted to allow a deeper, more comfortable voice to naturally come out.
In plain terms, your voice didn’t drop into the pitch range your body is ready for.
And that’s absolutely okay. Because just like an actor can train their voice to take on new characters, you can train your voice to better express who you really are.
It’s more common than you think, but rarely talked about
I’ve had multiple adult clients tell me they’ve felt embarrassed even bringing it up. One said, "I don’t talk about this with anyone, but I hate how I sound." Another asked if there was something "wrong" with him because his voice never changed.
And whether we like to admit it or not, our voice can carry so much weight when it comes to identity, confidence, and how we navigate the world.
This isn’t vanity. It’s human.
Other vocal pitch issues adults experience
Maybe your voice tires out quickly or doesn’t project like it used to. Maybe you've always had a "soft" voice and are just now realizing how much it’s held you back. Maybe your gender identity has changed, but your voice doesn’t match the way you want to show up in the world.
I’ve worked with:
Teachers and cheerleaders who lost their vocal strength
Broadcasters prepping for confident and authoritative delivery
Adults exploring gender-affirming voice therapy
Neurodivergent individuals who want to sound more grounded or less anxious
Professionals seeking clarity and power in their speech
It’s not about “fixing” something wrong; it’s about building muscle memory, safety, and confidence.
How speech therapy helps with pitch
If you’re Googling "how to lower vocal pitch naturally" or "voice training for adults," you’re already in the right mindset.
What most people don’t know is that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) are uniquely qualified to help with voice training. We understand the anatomy, physiology, and emotional overlay of communication. Working with a specialist in functional vocal rehabilitation is like doing gentle, customized vocal workouts. Not just to sound different, but to feel safe and strong using your voice every day in incremental and gentle steps.
And yes, there is a time and place for ENT referrals, especially when there's pain, vocal fold injury, or structural issues. But a lot of pitch training and vocal confidence-building is absolutely achievable without a more in-depth medical diagnosis, particularly if you're looking for adult voice therapy without a referral.
I offer virtual voice therapy for adults in Wisconsin
I’m licensed to provide speech therapy services in Wisconsin. For clients outside Wisconsin, I offer voice and communication coaching, which focuses on skill-building and confidence in your authentic voice. I work with private clients primarily virtually, in the comfort of their own homes. No waiting rooms filled with toys. No awkward feelings of having to explain yourself to a receptionist. Just one-on-one support that respects your own goals and your pace.
This work can feel vulnerable. That’s why I keep it relaxed, private, and flexible, so you can show up however you need to.
Whether you’re preparing for a big moment like an interview, re-entering the world of dating, navigating a promotion into management, or simply want to feel more comfortable saying your name out loud, I’m here to help.
Final thoughts
You don’t need to justify why your voice matters to you. If it matters, that’s enough.
You don’t need a diagnosis to begin. You don’t need to keep wondering if this is "just how it is."
You just need the right support and a safe space to begin.
Quick FAQ:
Q: Can speech therapy help with a high-pitched voice in men?
A: Yes. Puberphonia is a functional voice issue that responds very well to therapy when approached holistically.
Q: Do I need a referral to work with you?
A: No referral is needed. You can contact me directly to set up a consultation to discuss your specific needs and concerns.
Q: Is this gender-affirming voice therapy?
A: It absolutely can be. I work with individuals across the gender spectrum to help match voice and identity.
Q: Do you work with anxiety-related voice issues?
A: Yes. Whether it’s vocal fatigue, tightness, or a pattern rooted in masking, I take a whole-person, holistic approach.
Q: Is this like voice coaching?
A: Similar, but with background knowledge and practice of clinical training and underlying focus on long-term vocal health and function.
Ready to explore what your voice can really do? I’d be honored to walk with you.