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| Home / For your patient / speech, language & motor services / adult services / | ||
| Voice Feminization | ||
| The goal of the voice feminization program is to
enhance the perception of voice quality from male to female. Who is an Appropriate Candidate for Our Voice Feminization Program? All individuals interested in creating the perception of a female gender identity with their voice are good candidates for our voice feminization program. The program will primarily serve the male to female transgender population. While hormone therapy can assist in the voice transition from female to male, it is less effective in changing the vocal quality from male to female. This requires skilled professional therapy and the appropriate technology to support that therapy. Changing one’s vocal qualities to convey the desired gender requires the services of a speech-language pathologist or other professional who is knowledgeable about the voice. Who Implements the Voice Feminization Program? Speech-language pathologists certified by the American Speech, Language & Hearing Association (ASHA) with specific training in the area of voice and voice feminization implement the program. What Can Be Gained from Participating in such a Program? The voice is the most powerful signal of gender identification. Voice feminization therapy provided by skilled professionals lends additional support to members of the transgender community going through the transition process. What Is Involved? The program begins with a hour-long evaluation that details the objective and perceptual characteristics of the client’s voice and communication. If there are any signs of an existing voice disorder indicative of damage or irritation of the vocal cords, an examination by an Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT) may be recommended and, in some cases, required. An individualized therapy plan is designed based on information gathered during the evaluation. Then, once therapy goals are established, voice feminization therapy sessions are held weekly. To change a voice quality that an individual has used their entire life to that point is difficult and complex. With proper therapy change is achievable. It must change over a slow and careful course of therapy. The client and the therapist work as a team throughout the process of making these methodical, incremental changes that ensure real and lasting changes. The vocal cords can easily become irritated and even develop callous-like growths called vocal nodules as the result of incorrect use of the voice and from modifying one’s voice too quickly. Individuals who participate in the voice feminization program are trained to self-monitor and become more aware of their vocal quality. They learn to recognize where and how they produce sound, how they are resonating that sound, and how they physically carry themselves and their voice. Related aspects of communication are also addressed including: breathing patterns, gender related non-verbal communication and vocal hygiene. Questions? For more information about this program, or to schedule an appointment, please contact HSDC’s Speech department at 206.323.5770 V/TTY or email speech@hsdc.org. |
