Communication apprehension in esophageal and tracheoesophageal speakers

A comparison of communication apprehension levels between a group of esophageal speakers and a group of tracheoesophageal (TEP) speakers was undertaken. Ten esophageal speakers and 10 tracheoesophageal speakers were given the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension (McCroskey, 1978) and also were rated on their degree of intelligibility. Results indicated no significant difference between the mean communication apprehension scores of the esophageal and TEP speakers. The majority of speakers in both groups were in the moderate to low range of communication apprehension. Results are compared with existing literature and related to clinical management considerations.