Outcomes of Gender-Affirming Voice and Communication Modification Training for Non-binary Individuals: A Case Series.

TitleOutcomes of Gender-Affirming Voice and Communication Modification Training for Non-binary Individuals: A Case Series.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2023
AuthorsChadwick KA, Liao D, Alter IL, Coleman R, Andreadis K, Riekki R, Waldman J, Rives H, Pitti M, Rameau A
JournalJ Voice
Date Published2023 Sep 04
ISSN1873-4588
Abstract

OBJECTIVES: There is currently no research reporting solely on outcomes of voice and communication modification training (VCMT) in individuals who identify as non-binary and genderqueer (NBGQ) in the English literature. This study aimed to describe the objective and subjective impact of VCMT on the voice of NBGQ individuals undergoing a 12-week gender-affirming VCMT program.

METHODS: A retrospective consecutive case series of NBGQ individuals enrolled in a VCMT program was performed. Demographics, Transgender Self-Evaluation Questionnaire (TSEQ), fundamental frequency (F0), and frequency range were collected before and after the program.

RESULTS: Four NBGQ individuals enrolled between January 2019 and June 2021; the mean age was 27.0 years. While all four participants represented in this case series showed improvement in at least one of their initial goals, only one improved both their F0 and TSEQ scores; the other three participants had mixed results.

CONCLUSION: NBGQ individuals experienced improvements in self-reported outcomes and changes in acoustic measures after completing VCMT in our case series. Individuals experienced significant improvement in subjective outcomes despite small changes in acoustic measures, and vice versa. More research is needed to better understand the voice and communication needs of NBGQ individuals, along with their outcomes with VCMT.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4.

DOI10.1016/j.jvoice.2023.08.005
Alternate JournalJ Voice
PubMed ID37673753
PubMed Central IDPMC10909913
Grant ListK76 AG079040 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
OT2 OD032720 / OD / NIH HHS / United States