High-pitched voices exist thanks to vocal cords that aren't as long, strong, or ready for good vibrations as others, Ingo Titze, Ph. D., executive director of the National Center for Voice and Speech, told
Puberphonia (also known as mutational falsetto, functional falsetto, incomplete mutation, adolescent falsetto, or pubescent falsetto) is a functional voice disorder that is characterized by the habitual use of a high-pitched voice after puberty, hence why many refer to the disorder as resulting in a 'falsetto' voice.
According to a study from 2017, it's common for people to change the pitch of their voice depending on who they're speaking to. The study, from researchers at Scotland's University of Stirling found that people change the pitch of their voice in accordance to how dominant they feel in the conversation.
Turns out that's what most guys do. And so do most women. Researchers found that, "Both sexes used a lower-pitched voice and showed a higher level of physiological arousal when speaking to the more attractive, opposite-sex target.
As with the strings of a guitar or piano, when vocal folds are longer and thicker, they tend to vibrate more slowly and so produce a lower-pitched voice, whereas shorter and thinner vocal folds vibrate more quickly and thus produce a higher-pitched voice.
Countertenor: this is the highest pitched male voice, with a similar vocal range to the contralto voice (E3 – E5).
This change in pitch and vocal quality is called presbyphonia and a lot of it has to do with declining levels of testosterone.
A flirty voice is playful and light, sometimes sarcastic and witty. It gives you that tingle down your spine, and it makes the listener feel special, maybe even shy. It's the kind of voice you might hear on a TV network promo or commercial spot.
Men are more attracted to women with higher-pitched and breathy voices, as these seem to indicate smaller body size, a study published in Plos One suggests. Further research indicates that women who sound attractive usually are.
If his voice seems to trail off when the two of you are talking, it's not likely he is interested in you. But if his voice is deep and present, and asking questions about what you are saying; he is probably crushing on you too.
The authors of the study, which was published in the Journal of Nonverbal Behavior, concluded that this unconscious changing of tone "represents desire for affiliation and intimacy" and is a "way to communicate affection and relational connection." So don't feel awkward by your deep flirting voice.
As a result, women find men with lower-pitched voices more attractive. It's the opposite for men, who are more attracted to women with higher-pitched voices, which is perceived as a marker for femininity. Attractiveness in the voice is important for the impressions we give our potential partners.
In general, women speak at a higher pitch—about an octave higher than men. An adult woman's average range is from 165 to 255 Hz, while a man's is 85 to 155 Hz (see sources). Men's voices are generally deeper because the surge of testosterone released during puberty causes their vocal cords to elongate and thicken.
For example, in earlier experiments, a higher voice pitch in women was considered more attractive, younger, more feminine and healthier – qualities that are preferred in potential mates from an evolutionary perspective.
He leans toward you during conversation.
People tend to naturally lean toward people they like in conversation, according to Battle. If the guy you like tends to lean his face in closer to yours while he's talking to you or listening to you talk, that's a good sign that he might be into you.
“Your voice is so hypnotic, I'm drawn to you when you start talking.” “Your voice echoes in my ears even when you aren't around.” “I'll never forget the sound of your voice.” “I can't think of anything I'd want to hear more than your voice right now.”
Some women with high testosterone levels develop frontal balding. Other possible effects include acne, an enlarged clitoris, increased muscle mass, and deepening of voice. High levels of testosterone can also lead to infertility and are commonly seen in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
1. Women are more attracted to men with deep voices – and this attraction is strongest among prettier, more feminine women. In fact, women prefer a masculine voice more strongly and more unanimously to a masculine face.
A high-pitched voice in women is an indicator of a high estrogen level and a deep-pitched voice in men is an indicator of a high testosterone level, which is a common romantic pairing since these high hormones are key indicators of fertility and health, raising the chances of having lots of offspring.