Digitized Speech Characteristics in Patients with Maxillectomy Defects

Area of Science:

• Speech science
• Acoustic analysis
• Maxillofacial surgery

Background:

• Accurate speech characteristic evaluation is crucial for post-maxillectomy rehabilitation.
• Formant frequency measurement provides insights into speech production.
• Understanding the impact of maxillectomy defects on speech is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate digital acoustic analysis and vowel pentagon space for predicting speech ability after maxillectomy.
• To compare acoustic characteristics of vowel articulation across different maxillectomy defect classes.

Main Methods:

• 27 male patients were classified into Aramany's Classes I, II, and IV based on maxillectomy defect.
• Digital acoustic analysis of five Japanese vowels was performed.
• First (F1) and second (F2) formant frequencies were calculated and plotted; vowel pentagon spaces were determined.

Main Results:

• Class II maxillectomy patients exhibited a significantly larger F2 range compared to Classes I and IV (p=0.002).
• No significant difference in F1 range was observed across the three classes.
• Vowel pentagon spaces were significantly larger in Class II patients than in Classes I and IV (p=0.014).

Conclusions:

• Maxillectomy defect area significantly affects acoustic characteristics of speech.
• Findings suggest potential for using vowel articulation data and defect class to inform obturator design.
• Acoustic analysis offers a valuable tool for assessing speech post-maxillectomy.