Characteristics of the Vocal Function Resulting from the Use of a Feminized Voice in Trans Women

Abstract

Feminizing the voice is key for the identity of the “trans” woman. There are anatomical-physiological differences of the larynx between the masculine and feminine gender that influence the characteristics of the vocal function. Therefore, the acquisition of the vocal characteristics of the reallocated gender is a challenge for the trans people who transition from man to woman, since the inappropriate use of a feminized voice with a masculine-laryngeal anatomy and physiology, might lead to the presence of vocal problems associated with the sex transition. The aim of the present work was to learn the characteristics of the vocal function resulting from the use of a feminized voice in trans women from the Community “Vidas Escondidas” (Hidden lives), Neuquén, and the Association of Travestites, Transsexuals and Transgenders of Argentina, Córdoba, in 2017.

This is an observational, correlational, simple and descriptive study conducted in 23 trans women. An auditory-perceptual study was conducted on the laryngeal posture, applying the laryngeal palpation method by Aronson, also on the voice quality with the GRBAS scale and on the vocal range, the pitch and the tone or the habitual F0 by means of the fluent speech. The data of the latter was analyzed by the PRAAT software and subsequently, as well as the remaining variables, recorded in tables for registration.

It was observed that the 52.17 % of the trans women had an appropriate laryngeal posture and the 47.83 % had a high posture in a static state; a 100 % had a high posture in a dynamic state. The habitual F0 was between 108.71 Hz and 210.95 Hz, with a mid-frequency of 150.91 Hz belonging to the habitual masculine tone range. All the trans women presented a modal vocal range, 43.48 % chest modal, 30.43 % of the head and 26.09 % of a mixed type. 69.57 % presented a higher pitch and 30.43 % a suitable one. The voice quality was compromised at a moderate degree following the parameters of the glottis in the next decreasing order of frequency of occurrence: 95.65 % strain, 78.26 % breathiness and 69.57 % roughness. 0 % asthenic, not compromised.

The characteristics of the vocal function in trans women were reported and a relationship between the obtained data was established being consistent with the underlying anatomy and physiology. Such results allow to adapt the phoniatric therapy, to prevent vocal pathologies and to serve as a contrast in future researches.