A Comparison of an Artificial Intelligence Tool to Fundamental Frequency as an Outcome Measure in People Seeking a More Feminine Voice.

Abstract

An artificial intelligence (AI) tool was developed using audio clips of cis-male and cis-female voices based on spectral analysis to assess %probability of a voice being perceived as female (%Prob♀). This program was validated with 92% accuracy in cisgender speakers. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship of f_o on %Prob♀ by a validated AI tool in a cohort of trans females who underwent intervention to feminize their voice with behavioral modification and/or surgery. Cohort study. Fundamental frequency (f_o ) from prolonged vowel sounds (f_o /a/) and f_o from spontaneous speech (f_o -sp) were measured using the Kay Pentax Computerized Speech Lab (Montvale, NJ) in trans females postintervention. The same voice samples were analyzed by the AI tool for %Prob♀. Chi-square analysis and regression models were performed accepting >50% Prob♀ as female voice. Forty-two patients were available for analysis after intervention. f_o -sp post-treatment was positively correlated with %Prob♀ (R = 0.645 [P < .001]). Chi-square analysis showed a significant association between AI %Prob♀ >50% for the speech samples and f_o -sp >160 Hz (P < .01). Sixteen of 42 patients reached an f_o -sp >160 Hz. Of these, the AI program only perceived nine patients as female (>50 %Prob♀). Patients with f_o -sp >160 Hz after feminization treatments are not necessarily perceived as having a high probability of being female by a validated AI tool. AI may represent a useful outcome measurement tool for patients undergoing gender affirming voice care. 3 Laryngoscope, 131:2567-2571, 2021.