Aerodynamic analysis of male-to-female transgender voice.
The attainment of a feminine-sounding voice is a highly desirable goal among male-to-female transgender (MFT) persons, but this goal may be difficult for many to accomplish. The characteristics associated with a feminine vocal quality include increases in fundamental frequency and in vocal breathiness. In this study, we used inverse-filtering of the airflow signal to indirectly assess vocal fold function in 13 MFT persons. Each participant was asked to sustain the vowel /a/ first in her biological male voice and then again in her female voice. In addition, these vowel productions were compared with vowels produced by age-matched biologic women and men. The results of the study revealed a significant increase in maximum flow declination rate during female voice production. Perceptual ratings of a feminine voice were associated with a fundamental frequency (F0) of 180 Hz or greater, although F0 did not differ significantly between male and female voice production. These results are discussed relative to the mechanisms that obtained a feminine-sounding voice.
Gorham-Rowan
Mary
M
Department of Communication Disorders, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA. mary.gorham-rowan@comm.fsu.edu
Morris
Richard
R
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010700:Phonetics; D010898:Pitch Perception; D013061:Speech Acoustics; D013068:Speech Production Measurement; D013637:Tape Recording; D014189:Transsexualism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D014827:Vocal Cords / Q000502:physiology*; D014831:Voice; D014833:Voice Quality