Voice Training before and after Glottoplasty
What Is Glottoplasty for MTF Voice Feminisation?
Glottoplasty is a surgical procedure that raises vocal pitch by shortening the vibrating length of the vocal folds. This is achieved by stitching the front portion of the vocal cords together (called anterior web formation), effectively increasing their tension and reducing vibration length — similar to tightening a guitar string to make a higher sound.
What are the risks of glottoplasty and how does therapy reduce them?
Risks of glottoplasty include:
Voice becoming too high or not high enough.
Reduced vocal range and possible changes to vocal volume or projection.
Scar tissue or web separation leading to voice instability.
Voice therapy mitigates these risks by promoting safe voice use, preventing strain, and helping you adjust to your new anatomy in a vocationally sustainable way.
Do I need voice training before glottoplasty?
Yes, voice therapy before glottoplasty offers several benefits:
It helps establish healthy vocal habits (breath support, resonance, articulation) so your voice mechanism is in optimal shape for surgery.
Eliminate any hoarseness - self training sometimes causes muscle tension dysphonia.
It clarifies your vocal goals (how you want your voice to sound post-surgery) and aligns expectations.
It may reduce post-operative strain or voice complications by preparing you for behavioural changes needed after the procedure.
What happens in voice training after a glottoplasty?
Post-surgery voice therapy focuses on:
Reinforcing the structural change by helping you use the new vocal mechanism effectively (pitch, resonance).
Developing speech patterns, intonation, articulation and resonance that align with your gender identity - its not just pitch alone that creates a feminine voice.
Addressing any voice quality issues (hoarseness, strain, breathiness) that might arise from surgery or adaptation.
Evidence indicates that combining glottoplasty with voice therapy yields better outcomes than surgery alone.
Can I get a feminine-sounding voice without surgery?
Yes — many transfeminine individuals achieve a satisfying feminine voice through voice therapy alone. Therapy addresses pitch, resonance, intonation, articulation, and communication style.
Will Insurance Cover Transgender Voice Training?
Coverage for transgender voice training — also known as gender-affirming voice therapy — depends heavily on your country, insurer, and policy type. Contact your insurance company for more information. Some corporate policies may provide cover. We accept self-paying clients, and provide itemised receipts so you can claim reimbursement from your insurer.
Why choose the Speech Network for transgender voice training?
Our UK-based private voice therapists are all Clinical Specialists in Voice, with experience in providing voice training alongside glottoplasty. They are active members of the National Trans Voice and Communication Clinical Excellence Network.
All our therapists are fully registered and accredited, including:
Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC)
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
Association of Speech and Language Therapists in Independent Practice (ASLTIP)
Members of the British Voice Association
Our private voice therapy team is highly rated, with outstanding 5-star Google reviews and recognition as a 2024 Quality Business Award winner.
Our UK based Private Voice Therapists are Clinical Specialists in Transgender Voice Training, with 5 * google reviews. Book a free 15 minute consultation or email us at thespeechnetwork@hotmail.com to enquire about our reasonable fees for Transgender Voice Training.