Voice Function in Gender-Diverse People Assigned Female at Birth: Results From a Participant-Centered Mixed-Methods Study and Implications for Clinical Practice

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate whether there were indications of restrictions to voice function in our group of gender-diverse people assigned female at birth (GD people AFAB ) and whether the participants would benefit from professional voice support. Method We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional, mixed-methods study combining qualitative content analyses of semistructured interviews, phoniatric examinations, and acoustical voice analyses. Fourteen German-speaking GD people AFAB participated. The data were examined for indications of restrictions to voice function according to the results of participant self-evaluation, auditory-perceptual analyses, laryngostroboscopic examinations, and acoustical measurements. Results All participants presented with indications of restrictions to voice function, with vocal power, voice quality, singing voice, laryngeal function, pitch range/variability, and vocal control having found to be most frequently affected (in over 60% of participants). Sixty-four percent of participants expressed an interest in professional voice support, with clinicians and researchers recommending professional voice support for 67% and 71%, respectively. Conclusions GD people AFAB may experience restrictions to a range of domains of voice function and request or be recommended to participate in professional voice support. Research into this area needs to be intensified so that a more in-depth understanding of the potential voice problems GD people AFAB might experience can be produced and members of this group can be provided with more comprehensive, evidence-based, and high-quality professional support if and when they need it.