Tracheoesophageal speech: with and without tracheostoma valve

Area of Science:

• Laryngology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Tracheoesophageal voice restoration is common after laryngectomy.
• The Blom-Singer tracheostoma valve aims to improve speech by utilizing pulmonary air.
• Anecdotal reports suggest improved speech quality with the valve.

Purpose of the Study:

• To objectively assess acoustic and temporal speech measures in laryngectomees with and without the Blom-Singer tracheostoma valve.
• To compare speech production using tracheoesophageal puncture with and without the valve prosthesis in the same individuals.

Main Methods:

• Speech samples were collected from nine male laryngectomees under two conditions: with and without the tracheostoma valve.
• Six speech acoustic and temporal measures were calculated for each condition.
• Statistical analysis was performed to compare the measures between the two conditions.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences were found in the six measured speech acoustic and temporal parameters between speaking with and without the tracheostoma valve.
• While objective measures showed no significant change, other qualitative advantages and disadvantages were noted when using the valve.

Conclusions:

• The Blom-Singer tracheostoma valve did not demonstrate statistically significant improvements in objective acoustic and temporal speech measures in this cohort.
• Further investigation into patient-reported outcomes and other functional aspects of the valve is warranted.