Treatment Strategies
Target Pitch - Selection of target pitch can occur in the first visit with the speech therapist. To do this, the client is asked to glide up a scale. The speech therapist observes the pitch range of the client and notes the highest pitch that remains clear and is comfortable for the client. The pitch may increase with practice because of decreased tension. The highest comfortable, clear pitch is selected as the target pitch (Freidenburg, 2002). The client can also be asked to intone words or phrases to be sure there is enough room for pitch change (Davies & Goldberg, 2006). |
Third Age. (2012). People talking [image], retrieved November 25, 2012 from http://www.thirdage.com/image/people-in-a-group-talking
|
Anterior Resonance - A change in fundamental frequency can cause some clients to speak with a strained voice. The use of anterior resonance decreases voice strain and increases the perception of femininity. It is very important that the speech therapist work with the client to help prevent vocal hyperfunction. The therapist should encourage feeling resonance in the face rather than in the throat and chest. Some studies suggest that the client talk or read aloud while feeling the vibrations of the chest. The client is then instructed to make the vibrations move upward towards the face. The client will practice this beginning with words and phrases containing nasal consonants, and then moving on to statements. Some clinicians practice saying "uh hmmm" with a rising pitch to assist with pitch and resonance change (Freidenburg, 2002).
Oral Resonance Therapy - A 2007 study by Carew, Dacakis, & Oates explored the efficacy of oral resonance therapy. Their study supported the use of lip spreading and forward tongue carriage to increase fundamental frequency and formant frequency. Listener ratings showed that the study participants were perceived as more feminine post-treatment. The study shows that this treatment technique may be beneficial for clients who are transitioning from male to female (Carew,Dacakis, & Oates, 2007).
Movement and Breath Support - The clinician must be sure that the client is not always sitting still and in the same position for every attempt at speaking. The client must learn how to move while speaking to reduce tension and natural use of voice. The clinician must also encourage the client to breathe naturally to improve voice quality (Freidenburg, 2002).
Intonation Patterns - Clients are encouraged to practice common conversation beginnings such as "Hello. How are you?" with feminine intonation and pitch patterns. The speech therapist will model, and the client will repeat the example (Freidenburg, 2002).
Language Features - A portion of therapy can focus on feminine features of language. Word choice, requests, and body movement such as head tilts, hand movements, and eye contact are practiced to increase the perception of femininity. The client is made aware of language features that are perceived as being more feminine, including topics of conversation and how to interrupt (Friedenburg, 2002). The client should weigh information from research along with the recommendations of the clinician to determine what language features she is comfortable with using. Changes in slang, modifiers, and speaking style may be considered (Davies & Goldberg, 2006).
Oral Resonance Therapy - A 2007 study by Carew, Dacakis, & Oates explored the efficacy of oral resonance therapy. Their study supported the use of lip spreading and forward tongue carriage to increase fundamental frequency and formant frequency. Listener ratings showed that the study participants were perceived as more feminine post-treatment. The study shows that this treatment technique may be beneficial for clients who are transitioning from male to female (Carew,Dacakis, & Oates, 2007).
Movement and Breath Support - The clinician must be sure that the client is not always sitting still and in the same position for every attempt at speaking. The client must learn how to move while speaking to reduce tension and natural use of voice. The clinician must also encourage the client to breathe naturally to improve voice quality (Freidenburg, 2002).
Intonation Patterns - Clients are encouraged to practice common conversation beginnings such as "Hello. How are you?" with feminine intonation and pitch patterns. The speech therapist will model, and the client will repeat the example (Freidenburg, 2002).
Language Features - A portion of therapy can focus on feminine features of language. Word choice, requests, and body movement such as head tilts, hand movements, and eye contact are practiced to increase the perception of femininity. The client is made aware of language features that are perceived as being more feminine, including topics of conversation and how to interrupt (Friedenburg, 2002). The client should weigh information from research along with the recommendations of the clinician to determine what language features she is comfortable with using. Changes in slang, modifiers, and speaking style may be considered (Davies & Goldberg, 2006).