Health & Healing
How long does a voice break last?
Estimated wait
~9 months
Based on published sources
By case
- Faster cases~7 months
- Average cases~9 months
- Slower casesUp to 1 year
This is a normal part of growing up, not an illness — no treatment is needed and the cracking sorts itself out. Singing is fine; just avoid straining or shouting while the voice is unstable. See a doctor or speech therapist if hoarseness lasts many months beyond the change, the voice stays unusually high afterwards, or there is pain. General information, not medical advice.
In boys the voice change of puberty lasts on average about 9 months. It usually starts around age 12 to 13 and, depending on the individual, can be over in half a year or stretch to roughly two years.
More details
Hormones make the larynx and vocal folds grow, so the voice cracks, sounds hoarse or slips unpredictably for a while. By the end it settles roughly an octave lower. Girls go through a change too, but a much smaller one.
Last updated: 20 Jul 2026
Information is for general knowledge only.