Differences in speaking proficiencies in three laryngectomee groups.

Speaking proficiencies of three groups of alaryngeal speakers were examined: (1) esophageal speakers (n = 12), (2) electrolarynx speakers (n = 11), and (3) tracheoesophageal puncture speakers (n = 10). Subjects were videotaped while engaged in a variety of speaking tasks. Three groups of judges, varying in their knowledge about laryngectomees, independently rated the speaking proficiency of each videotaped speaker. Specific variables rated included voice quality, pitch, loudness, intelligibility, rate of speaking, visual presentation during speech, extraneous speaking noise, and overall communicative effectiveness. Multivariate analyses of variance performed on the ratings made by each judge group disclosed significant differences in ratings for various speaking variables for the three laryngectomee groups. In addition, differences in proficiency ratings for the laryngectomees were found, depending on the expertise level of the judges.