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Acoustic analysis of tracheo-oesophageal versus oesophageal speech

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

F. Debruyne*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Leuven, Belgium.
P. Delaere
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Leuven, Belgium.
J. Wouters
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Leuven, Belgium.
P. Uwents
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Leuven, Belgium.
*
F. Debruyne, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, U.Z. St. Rafaël, Kapucijnenvoer 33, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.

Abstract

In order to evaluate the vocal quality of tracheo-oesophageal and oesophageal speech, several objective acoustic parameters were measured in the acoustic waveform (fundamental frequency, waveform perturbation) and in the frequency spectrum (harmonic prominence, spectral slope). Twelve patients using tracheo-oesophageal speech (with the Provox® valve) and 12 patients using oesophageal speech for at least two months, participated.

The main results were that tracheo-oesophageal voices more often showed a detectable fundamental frequency, and that this fundamental frequency was fairly stable; there was also a tendency to more clearly defined harmonics in tracheo-oesophageal speech. This suggests a more regular vibratory pattern in the pharyngo-oesophageal segment, due to the more efficient respiratory drive in tracheo-oesophageal speech. So, a better quality of the voice can be expected, in addition to the longer phonation time and higher maximal intensity.

Information

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1994

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