Videofluoroscopy of the pharyngoesophageal segment during tracheoesophageal and esophageal speech.

The purpose of this preliminary investigation was to identify the location and length of the pharyngoesophageal (PE) segment during esophageal and tracheoesophageal (TE) speech among laryngectomees who were proficient in both methods of vocalization. Four patients who had undergone total laryngectomy and tracheoesophageal puncture served as subjects. Voice recordings were obtained and played to listeners of varying experience with laryngectomees. Videofluoroscopy was performed while the patients sustained "ah" in both modes of speech. Results of these analyses revealed that TE speech was rated as more effective than esophageal speech in all 4 subjects. However, only minimal differences were found in the length and the location of the PE segment during TE and esophageal speech when within subject comparisons were made. This study is the first to compare the physical characteristics of the PE segment during esophageal speech and TE speech as produced by the same speaker.