The Role of Voice Therapy and Phonosurgery in Transgender Vocal Feminization
Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
Nolan, I. T., Morrison, S. D., et al. (2019).
Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, 30(5), 1368-1375.
This meta-analysis investigates the efficacy of feminizing voice therapy and phonosurgery in transgender women.
Not stated
Not specified
Published primary studies
20 in qualitative synthesis, 17 in meta-analysis
<div>Transgender women who received either gender-affirming voice therapy or phonosurgery (i.e., endoscopic shortening and cricothyroid approximation) reported satisfaction for voice feminization. Post-intervention satisfaction ranged from 80-85% for both treatments. </div>
<p>Per meta-analysis, voice therapy <em>alone</em> increased fundamental frequency by 30.9 Hz, while phonosurgery <em>alone</em> varied from 26.0 Hz - 72.21 Hz depending on surgical technique. Additionally, post-operative voice therapy was associated with:</p>
<ul>
<li>increases in fundamental frequency;</li>
<li>pitch stabilization;</li>
<li>decreased vocal irregularities; and</li>
<li>a more feminine timbre.</li>
</ul>
<p>Due to the considerable variation within surgical techniques and voice therapy regimens, and the fact that many of the included studies predate standardized outcome measures in this area, additional research is warranted.</p>
