Gender-Affirming Voice Care

During your initial consultation, we take time to understand your personal and medical history and learn more about your vocal goals. We create a safe space for you to share your voice story. For your comfort and convenience, our gender-affirming voice therapists offer initial consultations in person or through virtual video visits. 

Videolaryngostroboscopy
A videolaryngostroboscopy allows us to visualize your vocal cords (also known as vocal folds) and larynx (voice box) and determine whether they are strained or injured. During the exam, a voice therapist inserts a tiny camera attached to a small tube called an endoscope through your nose and into your upper throat. Your nose may be sprayed with topical anesthetic for your comfort. A flashing strobe light simulates slow motion video of your vocal cords, and images are recorded. After the exam, which only takes about a minute, a laryngologist and voice therapist will review the recorded images with you to determine a care plan, including voice therapy. 

If you prefer, we can arrange for you to undergo videolaryngostroboscopy during the same visit as your initial voice evaluation. If you choose a virtual visit for your initial consultation, this test will be performed during a follow-up, in-person visit.

During voice therapy sessions, our speech-language pathologists teach you strategies to access your authentic voice -- for example, changing your inflection, altering your resonance to achieve a darker or brighter vocal quality, or relaxing your throat to produce your most natural and desired sound. We also teach proper vocal hygiene, including hydration, avoiding throat clearing, and smoking cessation, to keep your voice healthy.

It may require only a few weekly or biweekly sessions to learn the basics of what you need to achieve your desired results. We are confident you can reach your voice goals by following your therapist’s expert guidance and consistently practicing what you learn.