How do you change your voice with helium gas?

Question

I've seen people do this, and they sound like chipmunks, but I've not tried. How do they do it? What happens when the gas gets into the throat? And is it dangerous?

Answer 1

It is not dangerous, unless you use it for more than a minute or two. The velocity of sound in helium is almost three times as high as it is in air, and thus the resonant frequencies of the cavities in your head, which shape the sound, are markedly increased. This gives the typical high-pitched sounds you hear when someone who has inhaled helium is speaking. (Some people think that helium affects the vocal cords in some way, that is not true.) It is a fun experiment to try; the next time you have access to a helium-filled balloon, have a go at it. The effect is quite remarkable.

Answer 2

the gas is thinner which raises the pitch of your voice ( simple is best ) not harmful SEE WHAT HAPPENS ! the vocal cords vibrate at the same speed but the air molecules being farther apart ( less dense ) transmit the sound at a different frequency same thing happens underwater , but reversed , that is why ALL sounds in a HELIUM environment sound higher pitched (NO VOCAL CORDS INVOLVED in dropping something ! ) WHERE DID THESE PEOPLE GET THIS CRAP ABOUT THE VOCAL CORDS ? i thought i had heard most URBAN MYTHS ? and i can't resist mentioning that CHIPMUNKS don't speak ( but the characters on the albums and in the cartoons were cool ! )

Answer 3

If you breathe too much it could be, but I have done it many times it doesn't make you high and, actually deep sea divers breathe helium in a high mixture. As for the voice change helium is quite a bit less dense than air and allows your vocal cords to vibrate more freely and thus you get a higher pitched sound.

Answer 4

Helium effects the vocal cords. The gas causes the vocal cords to tighten therefore raising the pitch of the vibration of said cords. Dangerous only in large amounts without enough Oxygen to continue the brain and bodies functions. It would be the same effect as climbing over 14000 feet for a while. Then around 26000 feet your brain starts to shut down followed by death. So... Don't do it for too long.

Answer 5

Helium is an inert gas that is lighter than air and can be inhaled briefly without risk of death. Sound is produced by vibration, the movement of air around our vocal chords. Because helium gas is lighter than the usual oxygen/nitrogen blend, it changes the resonant frequency of the human vocal tract, causing a faster vibration and a higher-pitched, cartoon-character sound.

Answer 6

Helium is less dense than air (20.9% O2 and 79.1% N) so sound travels faster - ie the vocal cords can vibrate faster, sp speech sounds like chipmunks.

No Helium will not hurt you - providing you can also breath air, as helium is used in mixed gas diving to displace some of the nitrogen.

Answer 7

~~~ they inhale it,,,the reason they sound like chipmonks is because it temporarily tightens the vocal cords,,,, I dont think it is dangerous once and a while,,,,Dont think I would do it everyday,,,, Also,,,your not suppose to suck the helium from those shiney teflar balloons,,,they are coated inside with a special powder to make them last longer,,, ~~~

Answer 8

very dangerous, though at oxford university its a ritual to smoke cigars and take in helium, eventually the nose bleeds drop out because there brain cells have depleted at supersonic speeds.

Answer 9

Please do not try that. The helium isn't O2 and not contain it. You can die by not air.
You bree helium but not air.
I think isn't great for your voice because has an effect on she.(and can damage your voice-a little)

Answer 10

Inhale it and it tightens your vocal cords. Yes you can overdo it you will get a bad headache