Speech rehabilitation of a laryngectomized-glossectomized patient

A 58-year-old English speaking female, who underwent total laryngectomy and glossectomy and subsequently learned to communicate verbally via various phonatory and articulatory compensations, is described in this report. Radiologic study and empirical observation showed her to be using the inhalation method to achieve esophageal air charge. Her articulatory compensations were typical of those used by other glossectomized pateints. The extent of her recovery of verbal communication skills through alaryngeal speech suggests that glossectomized-laryngectomized patients with similar impairment might benefit from speech rehabilitation where prognosis and general health permit.