The Voice in Transgender Women From a Phone-Audiological and Psychological Perspective La Voz en Mujeres Transgénero desde una Perspectiva Fonoaudiológica y Psicológica Systematic Review.

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the scientific information published on voice management in transgender women, from a speech-language pathology and psychological perspective, highlighting a comprehensive care approach. Background: The voice of transgender women represents an essential component in the process of gender affirmation. It is a complex process of integral transition that involves biopsychosocial, personal, and self-perception aspects, allowing communicative satisfaction. To achieve modifications in vocal characteristics, individuals may resort to medical interventions (hormonal and/or surgical) as well as non-surgical ones (voice therapy), in order to align their identity and achieve an adequate quality of life. Methodology: This systematic review was guided by the PRISMA (2009) method. It included articles selected from databases such as ScienceDirect, SIBILA, Update, Google Scholar, Dialnet, and SciELO, using health-related descriptors (DeCS and MeSH) and keywords such as voice, transgender person, voice feminization, laryngeal surgical intervention, voice therapy. Results: After screening and applying eligibility criteria, 10 scientific articles addressing the research topic were included. Discussion: Voice therapy conducted by speech-language pathologists is a therapeutic option for transgender women who wish to feminize their voice, either in conjunction with or as an alternative to surgical interventions. However, the importance of interprofessional collaboration with this population is also emphasized, in order to achieve a comprehensive transformation that enables individuals to feel secure and identified both sexually and emotionally as women. Conclusion: The profession of speech-language pathology, through non-surgical techniques within a comprehensive treatment approach, contributes to the rehabilitation of transgender women’s voices, leading to feminization. On the other hand, surgical techniques performed by otolaryngologists and laryngology subspecialists achieve modifications in the laryngeal structure and, consequently, in vocal qualities. The results generated by these procedures have been so positive that they are currently considered the most effective clinical option for voice feminization in transgender women.