Acoustic parameters and speech analysis after supracricoid hemilaryngopharyngectomy

Selected characteristics of speech and voice were compared in 10 patients who had undergone supracricoid hemilaryngopharyngectomy (SCHLP) and 20 normal adult laryngeal (NAL) speakers. Durational features of tape-recorded speech samples were measured using a stopwatch. Frequency features were analyzed with the Computerized Speech Lab and the multidimensional voice program. SCHLP speech proved comparable to NAL speech in average fundamental frequency, speech rate, and group phrasing. SCHLP speech and voice were statistically less efficient than NAL speech in fundamental frequency range, jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonic ratio, and maximum phonation time. Age, associated cricopharyngeal myotomy, postoperative radiation therapy, and time elapsed from SCHLP completion were not statistically related to the speech and voice parameters of SCHLP speakers.