Mobile App Voice Therapy for Transitioning Voice

Not yet recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Anais Rameau, MD, MPhil

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Weill Medical College of Cornell University

Disqualifiers: Cisgender, Hoarseness, Voice pain

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 11 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new mobile app called Attuned, designed to help transgender and gender diverse individuals modify their voices. The goal is to determine if this app matches or surpasses the effectiveness of traditional in-person speech therapy. Participants will either use the app or receive standard voice therapy to compare outcomes. Ideal candidates are transgender or gender diverse individuals seeking voice modification, who have an iOS device and do not experience hoarseness or voice-related pain.

As an unphased trial, this study provides participants the opportunity to explore innovative voice modification methods through a convenient mobile app.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

What prior data suggests that this mobile app is safe for voice therapy?

Research has shown that the Attuned mobile app relies on standard voice therapy methods, which are generally safe and easy to use. The app assists transgender and gender diverse individuals in altering their voice to align with their identity. Since it employs well-known voice training techniques, no evidence indicates major safety issues. Although specific safety data for the app itself is lacking, voice therapy is widely used and considered safe. This suggests that the app should also be safe for most users. For any concerns, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Attuned app because it offers a new, accessible way for transgender and gender diverse individuals to modify their voice, aligning with their identity. Unlike traditional voice modification therapy, which usually requires in-person sessions with a speech pathologist, Attuned provides voice and communication training through a mobile application. This app-based approach allows users to practice anytime and anywhere, making voice therapy more convenient and flexible. By leveraging technology, Attuned could make voice modification more accessible and less intimidating for many individuals seeking to reflect their true selves through their voice.

What evidence suggests that this mobile app is effective for voice therapy in transgender and gender diverse individuals?

Research has shown that mobile apps like Attuned, which participants in this trial may use, can help transgender and gender diverse people change their voice. Attuned employs standard voice therapy methods but offers the convenience of a smartphone app, allowing users to practice anytime and receive reminders. Although specific data on Attuned's effectiveness is limited, similar apps have shown promise in helping users achieve desired voice changes. This trial will compare app-based therapy to traditional in-person voice modification therapy, another treatment option in this trial. The app aims to improve both the sound of the voice and users' satisfaction with it, potentially matching or even surpassing traditional in-person therapy. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Anais Rameau, MD, MPhil

Principal Investigator

Weill Medical College of Cornell University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for transgender and gender diverse individuals over 18 who own an iOS device and can read/write in English. It's not suitable for cisgender people or those with voice-related issues like hoarseness or pain.

Inclusion Criteria

I identify as a transgender individual.

Be able to read and write in English

Have an IOS Device

Exclusion Criteria

I identify as the gender I was assigned at birth.

I have been experiencing hoarseness.

I experience pain when I use my voice.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants undergo voice and communication modification training (VCMT) via the mobile application or in-person speech pathology

11 weeks

Baseline, Week 4, Week 11

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in voice quality and self-perception after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Attuned: A mobile application
• In-Person Voice Modification Therapy

Trial Overview The study tests a mobile app called Attuned, designed to help with voice modification, against traditional in-person therapy. The effectiveness will be judged by participants' satisfaction with their voices and objective measures of voice quality.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Transgender and gender diverse (TGGD) individuals using the pilot app Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The investigators will develop Attuned, an open access voice and communication modification training (VCMT) app based on standard of care. Participants will undergo VCMT via the mobile application, Attuned. Participants will include healthy transgender and gender diverse (TGGD) individuals seeking voice modification to better reflect their identity.

Group II: Transgender and gender diverse (TGGD) individuals receiving standard voice modification Active Control 1 Intervention

VCMT via speech pathology will be compared to the efficacy of an app-based VCMT program. Participants will undergo VCMT in-person. Participants will include healthy transgender and gender diverse (TGGD) individuals seeking voice modification to better reflect their identity.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Weill Medical College of Cornell University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,103

Recruited

1,157,000+

Ithaca College

Collaborator

Trials

8

Recruited

1,100+

Citations

1. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-transitioning-voice-of-transgender-and-gender-diverse-people-4-2023-e59e0

Mobile App Voice Therapy for Transitioning Voice The Attuned mobile app voice therapy is unique because it uses a smartphone application to enhance adherence to voice therapy by providing reminders, ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11645500/

Developing a mobile application for gender‐affirming voice ... In this article, we summarize our development of a free, evidence‐based app for gender‐affirming VCMT using a community‐engaged framework.

3. attunedvoice.com attunedvoice.com/

Attuned Voice Training | iOS Mobile App Attuned is a voice & speech coaching iOS app, made for the transgender community, and to support individuals in their exploration and attainment of a voice.

4. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05815810?term=a%20trans&rank=4&checkSpell=

Novel Delivery Method of Transgender Voice Therapy ... The investigators will develop Attuned, an open access voice and communication modification training (VCMT) app based on standard of care. Participants will ...

5. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/387054034_Developing_a_mobile_application_for_gender-affirming_voice_training_A_community-engaged_approach

Developing a mobile application for gender‐affirming voice ... We sought to evaluate and describe the iterative process of app development using a community‐based approach.

6. journals.sagepub.com journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13548565221079459

'This app can help you change your voice': Authenticity and ... In the following paper, we undertake a critical discourse analysis of five mobile voice training apps for transgender people.