Further appraisal of reed-fistula speech following pharyngolaryngectomy.

Patients who undergo extensive resection of the pharynx along with laryngectomy usually are not able to develop esophageal speech. Since 1971 we have been working on a method for speech rehabilitation for these patients, which utilizes sound from a reed powered by tracheal air outflow. The sound is led into the pharynx via a fistula. Ten patients have been so managed, and six are now using this method of communication with satisfactory results. Preliminary studies on one patient indicated that his speech quality was judged to be superior to that produced by an excellent esophageal speaker. Efforts are continuing to study further the acoustical and perceptual properties of this form of speech and to improve further the method.