Transgender and Gender Diverse (TAGD) Voice and Communication Training
I’m Kyle Ball, Speech Pathologist at Mt Wilga Private Hospital. I am a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist, Member of Speech Pathology Australia and Member of the Australian Professional Associate for Trans Health (AUSPath). I'm excited to announce that our outpatient Speech Pathology clinic is now providing Voice and Communication Training for Trans and Gender Diverse (TAGD) clients.
What is Transgender and Gender Diverse Voice and Communication Training?
Voice and communication are frequently one of the key problems that develop when gender identification and communication style don't match. A few examples are pitch, intonation, speaking stress patterns, voice quality, loudness, language use, speech rate, and body language (1). Voice and communication qualities that are changed to sound more feminine or masculine have been associated to reducing gender dysphoria, better mental health, and improving quality of life (2). Comprehensive clinical voice assessment, self-perception of voice ratings, and client-centered goal setting are components of training and intervention. If it is clinically necessary, the client can be referred to an ENT doctor for additional evaluation.
Depending on the client's objectives, the speech pathologist and the client can adjust the client's voice and communication traits to make overall communication more feminine or masculine.
Why refer to Speech Pathology?
Speech pathologists can complete further training to offer TAGD groups specialised communication and voice training. While there are numerous community and online tools to assist TAGD individuals in identifying features to change in order to align communication and/or voice with a more particular gender, specially trained speech pathologists are best qualified to facilitate overall voice health monitoring and modify behavioural adjustments linked to voice and communication in TAGD individuals. When surgical treatments that may serve as an adjunct to voice training are necessary, trained speech pathologists are also in a position to recommend patients to Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose, and Throat) with specialist training in laryngology.
How to refer:
The outpatient clinic offers services to TADG people that are 16 years or older and are looking to modify their communication or voice. People can be at any stage of their transition to participate in services. We accept referrals from General Practitioners under an Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) plan if applicable. Speech Pathology services are available through Ramsay Health Plus operating at Mt Wilga Private Hospital. For more information or to discuss treatment options please contact us at 9847 5015 or TherapyBookings.MWP@ramsayhealth.com.au
References
(1) Gray ML, Courey MS. Transgender Voice and Communication. Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2019 Aug;52(4):713-722. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2019.03.007. Epub 2019 May 14. PMID: 31101356.
(2) Schneider, S., & Courey, M. (2016). Transgender voice and communication-vocal health and considerations. In M. Deutsch (Ed.), Guidelines for the primary and gender-affirming care of transgender and gender nonbinary people(pp. 161–171).