A comparison of speech using artificial larynx and tracheoesophageal puncture with valve in the same speaker

Postlaryngectomy speech rehabilitation more frequently includes surgical-prosthetic methods since the introduction of a low morbidity tracheoesophageal puncture technique and a one-way airflow valve. This study compares speech using an artificial larynx and, in one case, esophageal speech with speech using a tracheoesophageal puncture and valve in the same speaker. Using nonprofessional listeners, speech was rated for intelligibility and preference. Voice spectrograms were employed for measurement of rate, fundamental frequency, and intensity. While no statistically significant differences were found in mean fundamental frequency or intensity, the rate of post-tracheoesophageal speech was considerably faster. In addition, when individual speakers are compared with themselves, post-tracheoesophageal speech is significantly more intelligible and preferred by naive listeners. We conclude that using the tracheoesophageal puncture with valve should be strongly considered in total laryngectomy patients whose present mode of communication is unsatisfactory.