Aerodynamic and myoelastic contributions to tracheoesophageal voice production.

Five laryngectomized, tracheoesophageal (TE) speakers completed a series of phonatory tasks developed to assess (a) aerodynamic and acoustic properties of TE voice and (b) aerodynamic and myoelastic contributions to the mediation of fundamental frequency change. These TE speakers' voices were characterized by increased trans-source airflow rates, comparable source driving pressures, and decreased airway resistances in comparison with standard esophageal speakers. TE speakers were capable of adjusting their voicing sources on a myoelastic basis to influence Fo change. This result, coupled with findings that confirm aerodynamic contributions to TE phonation, are interpreted to suggest that TE voice production should be regarded as an aerodynamic-myoelastic event. Findings are integrated with existing data to highlight fundamental differences among TE, esophageal, and normal voice production.