Magnitude and variability of oral pressure in tracheoesophageal speech

The purpose of this study was to compare mean oral pressure (P(o)) and P(o) variability: (1) between tracheoesophageal (TE) and laryngeal speakers, and (2) between TE speakers' voiced and voiceless phonemes. Sixteen TE and 10 laryngeal speakers produced stops and fricatives in a phrase while P(o) was recorded. The TE group produced greater mean P(o) and P(o) variability than the control group. TE speakers did maintain a P(o) difference between cognate members with greater pressure on voiceless consonants. A number of possible explanations for the findings are reviewed, although clearer delineation of the issue will require further study.