Keywords

Tracheoesophageal speech, alryngeal speakers, neck strap, pharyngeal pouching

Abstract

Tracheoesophageal (TE) speech, which relies on pulmonary air directed through a one-way valve from the trachea to the esophagus, has become an effective means of voice restoration for many alaryngeal speakers. Whereas the success rate for TE speech has been reported to reach 80% to 90%, complications are not uncommon. In a few cases, pouching of the neck at the level of the neoglottis has been observed. This has previously been reported to negatively affect functional communication, and has been associated with a flaccid or hypnotic vibratory segment. The application of pressure, either manually or by way of a neck strap, can lead to improvements in the voice by increasing the tone of the pharyngoesopageal segment. Although patients report that phonation is better with neck compression, there is a lack of acoustic data to evaluate voice improvements objectively. The present study reports on two proficient TE speakers who developed neck pouching during phonation. The speech-language pathologist constructed a neck strap to apply constant pressure at the point of pharyngeal pouching, which brought improvements in voice quality. The present study represents an acoustic and perceptual analysis of this improvement.

Original Publication Citation

Kapusta-Shemie, C., & Dromey, C. (1999). Acoustic and perceptual improvements in tracheoesophageal voice using a neck strap. Journal of Otolaryngology, 28, 102-104