Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2025
12:43
A Protocol for Comprehensive Assessment of Bulbar Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ALS
Published on: February 21, 2011
34.9K
Impaired Voice-Related Work Productivity, a Functional Effect of Gender Dysphoria
Joseph Chang1, Christine H Lo2, Jae Bernado1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
The Laryngoscope
|August 19, 2025
Summary
Transgender individuals experience significant voice-related work productivity impairment. This study demonstrates functional impairment in vocal gender dysphoria, supporting its medical necessity for reconstructive interventions.
Area of Science:
- Medical research
- Speech and hearing science
- Gender studies
Background:
- Vocal gender dysphoria treatment has been viewed as cosmetic due to a lack of identified functional impairment.
- Reconstructive interventions for other conditions are typically justified by functional deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify functional impairment in vocal gender dysphoria, specifically concerning voice-related work productivity.
- To establish criteria for medically necessary and reconstructive vocal interventions.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study recruited 50 cisgender and 50 transgender individuals, excluding those with pre-existing vocal pathology.
- Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and WorkHoarse (voice-related work productivity impairment) were administered.
Main Results:
- Transgender individuals reported significantly higher VHI-10 (16.2 vs. 2.7) and WorkHoarse (14.2 vs. 2.1) scores compared to cisgender individuals (p < 0.001).
- Regression analysis revealed transgender individuals had a 12.4 units higher WorkHoarse score, controlling for age and voice use.
Conclusions:
- Vocal gender dysphoria is linked to impaired voice-related work productivity.
- This functional impairment supports the classification of vocal interventions as reconstructive and medically necessary.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Disorders of the Male Reproductive System
575
Men's health issues are increasingly recognized as significant, with several conditions posing common threats. Among these, testicular cancer is especially prevalent in younger men, particularly those aged 20 to 35 years. The disease often manifests as a painless mass in the testicles, sometimes accompanied by a sensation of heaviness or a dull ache.
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
Prostate disorders are another major concern. These conditions can impair urinary flow due to the prostate's location around the urethra....
575
01:27Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
212
Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
212
01:24Disorders of the Female Reproductive System
489
The female reproductive system can be affected by several disorders, including Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), endometriosis, and various forms of cancer. PMS and PMDD are cyclical conditions that cause physical and emotional distress, with symptoms that include edema, mood swings, and food cravings. PMDD is a more severe form of PMS characterized by increased symptom severity that peaks during the luteal phase and tends to improve or resolve shortly after...
489
02:45Self-Discrepancy Theory
18.4K
One influential perspective on what motivates people's behavior is detailed in Tory Higgin's self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987). He proposed that people hold disagreeing internal representations of themselves that lead to different emotional states.
18.4K
01:21Larynx
2.1K
The human larynx, often referred to as the voice box, is an intricate organ located in the neck. It serves as a pathway for air to enter the lungs during respiration and is an essential component of voice production.
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids,...
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids,...
2.1K
01:30Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
123
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia indicate a reduction or absence of typical behaviors and emotional responses found in healthy individuals, while positive symptoms reflect an excess or distortion of normal functioning.
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
123