Evaluation of vocal pitch in male transsexuals.

A 49-year-old male-to-female transsexual was administered voice therapy following surgery. Tape recordings were made of her speech prior to and each week during therapy. Selected sentences from these reocrdings were analyzed. Results indicate that changes in both fundamental frequency and perceptual judgments of femininity were statistically significant and supportive to the client. The voice of the client was still discernible from that of a female speaker, although less so than before therapy. It is suggested that a composite treatment program combined with laryngeal modification through surgical intervention may be necessary.

Effects of maxillary advancement on the speech of a sub-mucosal cleft palate patient.

A nineteen-year-old patient with a surgically repiared sub-mucosal cleft palate was evaluted following a LeFort I osteotomy to determine the effects of the surgery of his speech. Tape recordings were made of his speech pre- and postoperatively during the administration of an articulation test, during casual conversation, and while repeating standard sentences. Spectrographic analysis of pre- and postoperative segments of a standard sentence were made. Results of the tests indicated that maxillary advancement had no adverse effect on articulation ability or voice in this case. Unexpected findings are discussed, and suggestions are given for clinical assessment and evaluation.