Pert, Sean

Porter, Ellissia

English

Objective evaluation of pitch and loudness by speech and language therapists can enhance voice and communication therapy for gender-diverse individuals. Pitch and loudness are the vocal aspects most frequently identified for modification by trans and non-binary people. Objective measurements of voice using a computer optimally set up (Švec &amp; Granqvist, 2018) is non-intrusive, rapid and accurate. Free software such as Praat (Boersma &amp; Weenink, 2023), provides an accurate analysis of frequency and intensity useful for both voice evaluation and therapeutic purposes. ‘Pitch’ is the subjective term for the vocal fundamental frequency and is equivalent to the number of vocal fold vibrations per second measured in Hertz (Hz). Objective frequency measurements confirm subjective observations of voice and provides baseline data, prior to commencing therapy. This information guides safe, person-centred goal setting. Frequency data helps service users to understand what pitch is and how to change to the frequency range to match their authentic voice. During therapy, pitch readings can facilitate the gradual change of pitch to the desired range, whilst avoiding vocal strain (Adler et al., 2006; Mills &amp; Stoneham, 2021). ‘Loudness' is the subjective term for intensity, or Sound Pressure Level (SPL) measured in decibels (dB). The SPL, combined with clinician’s observations, can support therapeutic targets such as, improving breath support via diaphragmatic breathing (Mills &amp; Stoneham, 2017) and improving voice projection.Authenticity of voice is unique to each service user, in contrast to stereotyped voices of the cis-binary masculine/feminine. This is an important consideration when working with trans and non-binary service users. Voice goals may differ from societal neurotypical expectations. Praat provides graphs and objective feedback of abstract concepts, such as pitch, intonation and loudness during therapy. Objective voice evaluation can therefore empower service users by providing objective feedback and facilitating understanding of the vocal mechanism

The University of Manchester - Institutional Repository

The University of Manchester ResearchObjective pitch and loudness evaluation for trans andgender-diverse individuals for gender-affirming voice andcommunication therapyDocument VersionFinal published versionLink to publication record in Manchester Research ExplorerCitation for published version (APA):Pert, S., & Porter, E. (2023). Objective pitch and loudness evaluation for trans and gender-diverse individuals forgender-affirming voice and communication therapy. Paper presented at North East Speech and LanguageTherapy Research Symposium, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom.Citing this paperPlease note that where the full-text provided on Manchester Research Explorer is the Author Accepted Manuscriptor Proof version this may differ from the final Published version. If citing, it is advised that you check and use thepublisher's definitive version.General rightsCopyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the Research Explorer are retained by theauthors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise andabide by the legal requirements associated with these rights.Takedown policyIf you believe that this document breaches copyright please refer to the University of Manchester’s TakedownProcedures [http://man.ac.uk/04Y6Bo] or contact uml.scholarlycommunications@manchester.ac.uk providingrelevant details, so we can investigate your claim.Download date:19. Oct. 2023Objective pitch and loudness evaluation for trans and gender-diverse individuals for gender-affirming voice and communication therapyEllissia Porter (‘she/her’)Speech and Language TherapistDr Sean Pert (‘he/him’)Consultant Speech and Language TherapistAuthentic voice for trans and non-binary peopleMills & Pert, 2023Authenticity of voice should focus on more than just fundamental frequency (Davies et al., 2015)Listener perceptions and Fundamental frequency (f0)High• 220 Hz• 180 HzMid• 175 Hz• 145 HzLow• 140 Hz• 100 Hz(Davies et al. 2015)Individual differencesVoice Evaluation:  F0 , SPLDuring therapy: examples and feedbackE.g., Rising intonation© Phonanium (2017)VOCAL FUNDAMENTAL FREQUENCY (fo) v.02.04Ellissia XX/XX/XXXX 04/05/2023 Intonation and Vocal Intensity-0.230.26Sound pressure (Pa)222.570.0400.0Frequency (Hz)0 6.21Time (s) 0 7Absolute frequency (count/Hz)Measures of vocal fo in Hertz (Hz) in semitones (relative to 1 Hz)Minimum 198.98 91.6410th percentile (P10) 204.71 92.1325th percentile (P25) - 1st quartile (Q1) 215.55 93.0250th percentile (P50) - 2nd quartile (Q2) - median 222.54 93.58Mean 250.58 95.2875th percentile (P75) - 3rd quartile (Q3) 263.92 96.5390th percentile (P90) 348.03 101.32Maximum 365.64 102.17Standard deviation 53.38 3.38Interquartile range (IQR) - Q3-Q1 48.36 3.50Range between 10th and 90th percentiles - P90-P10 143.32 9.19Service User Feedback on the use of PRAATYes, it helped visualise what the pitch actually means and some people need visual learningIt helped me understand where my voice Hz at I’m happy it shows me how breathing can assist with my pitchHelpful in illustrating the impact of different methods / techniques0123456YES NOPRATT HELPFUL?USEFUL? PITCH LOUDNESS

Objective pitch and loudness evaluation for trans and gender-diverse individuals for gender-affirming voice and communication therapy

https://pure.manchester.ac.uk/ws/files/279369312/Newcastle_Lightning_Talk-SP-EP-Objective_Pitch.pdf

Objective pitch and loudness evaluation for trans and gender-diverse individuals for gender-affirming voice and communication therapy

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