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Updated: Aug 6, 2026

Synthetic, Multi-Layer, Self-Oscillating Vocal Fold Model Fabrication
Published on: December 2, 2011
Aerodynamic analysis of male-to-female transgender voice
Mary Gorham-Rowan1, Richard Morris
1Department of Communication Disorders, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA. mary.gorham-rowan@comm.fsu.edu
Abstract:
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.
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