Acoustic Characterization of the Voice With a Tracheoesophageal Speech in Laryngectomized Patients. Similarities and Differences With the Laryngeal Voice

Summary Background Voice with tracheoesophageal speech (TES) is an effective, widely recognized option to restore the ability of oral communication to laryngectomized patients. In this study, we try to characterize the TES, taking account different variables and making an acoustic analysis of voice with TES versus laryngeal voice (LV). Methods We compare different acoustic and subjective variables like GRABS or VHI in 34 patients with TES and 31 controls with LV. Results Patients with TES reach a good quality of voice with F0, F1, F2, F3, Jitter, Shimmer, and Yanahigara test similar to control group. Furthermore, the subjective scales show a good perception of voice for patients and examiners. Conclusions Patients with tracheoesophageal voices show acceptable voice results, in many cases reaching to be near to controls with LV.