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Virtual Reality as a Tool in Gender-Affirming Voice Training: A Pilot Study
Clara Leyns1, Lien Bosschem1, Tine Papeleu1
1Center for Speech and Language Sciences (CESLAS), Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
Summary
Virtual reality training (VRT) shows promise for increasing pitch and willingness to communicate in trans women, though voice-related quality of life improvements were modest. Further research is needed to confirm VR's role in gender-affirming voice care.
Area of Science:
- Speech-language pathology
- Virtual reality applications
- Gender-affirming care
Background:
- Voice feminization is a crucial aspect of gender transition for many transgender women.
- Traditional voice training methods may have limitations in generalization and anxiety reduction.
- Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive environments for practicing speech skills.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of VR speaking situations in improving vocal pitch and reducing speaking anxiety in trans women.
- To assess the generalization of pitch changes to spontaneous speech within a voice feminization program.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial comparing VR training (VRT) with traditional training (TT).
- Eleven trans women participated, receiving four weekly 30-minute sessions.
- Outcome measures included the Trans Woman Voice Questionnaire (TWVQ), Willingness to Communicate (WTC), and fundamental frequency (fo).
Main Results:
- Both VRT and TT groups showed increased vocal pitch (fo).
- The VRT group demonstrated significant increases in Willingness to Communicate (WTC), especially with strangers and in public speaking.
- Voice-related quality of life (TWVQ) showed only modest improvements in both groups, with high inter-participant variability.
Conclusions:
- VR training (VRT) may enhance vocal pitch and willingness to communicate (WTC) in trans women, particularly in challenging social contexts.
- Improvements in voice-related quality of life were limited in this pilot study.
- Larger, mixed-methods, and longitudinal studies are recommended to fully evaluate VR's potential in gender-affirming voice training for transgender and gender diverse individuals.
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