India’s first vocologist helps 17-year-old American overcome puberphonia via online therapy

Thrissur: Michael, a 17-year-old from South Dakota, USA, had long been worried about retaining a female voice despite his age. That frustration ended after receiving treatment from Fr. Paul Poovathingal at the Chetana National Institute of Vocology in Thrissur. Within two weeks, the problem was resolved, and the joy of Michael and his mother was boundless, said Fr. Paul, India’s first vocologist.

Michael was referred to Fr. Paul through Fr. Anto in America. The treatment was conducted online. His natural voice was restored through artificial coughing and scientific training in other sounds. The therapy was completed in three sessions over two weeks.

The scientific term for this condition is 'puberphonia'. Treatment focuses on restoring the falsetto muscle, which may be misplaced due to imitating the mother or grandmother during childhood or for other reasons. The determination of the patient is a key factor in the success of the therapy.

Over the past 15 years, Fr. Paul has provided various types of voice therapy to nearly 10,000 people. Among them was former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who underwent treatment three times when he lost his voice. On one occasion, Chandy himself visited the Thrissur institute.

Many who have faced crises, including broken marriages due to a female-sounding voice or loss of employment because of vocal issues, have also sought treatment and recovered.

The Chetana National Institute of Vocology was founded in 2005 as part of the Chetana Sangeeth Natya Academy, established by Fr. Paul in 2004.