Factors predictive of success or failure in acquisition of esophageal speech

Abstract

This article discusses negative and positive predictors for acquiring esophageal speech. These indicators are grouped under two broad categories: anatomidphysiologic and psychological/ social. The success and failure rates and advantages and disadvantages of esophageal speech are also presented. Consideration of all factors will enable professionals to counsel patients realistically about their potential for successful acquisition of this method of alaryngeal speech. HEAD & NECK SURGERY 10:S105-S109,1988T h e literature is replete with clinical impressions, findings from investigative studies, and results of questionnaire surveys suggesting factors that impact negatively or positively on a laryngectomized individual's ability to acquire esophageal speech. Before professionals can counsel patients adequately about the advantages or disadvantages of this mode of communication, they must be aware of these factors and be willing to weigh them against succesdfailure rates.

Complications of pharyngeal myotomy for alaryngeal voice rehabilitation

“…32 per cent myotomy rate). This figure would explain the fact that, on average, 64 per cent of laryngectomies develop satisfactory oesophageal voice (Salmon, 1988). The 36 per cent unable to develop oesophageal voice may well have an unsuitable pharyngooesophageal segment and, if assessed by videofluoroscopy and air insufflation (Mclvor et al, 1990), may be shown to benefit from pharyngeal myotomy.…”

“…Historically, the cornerstone of voice rehabilitation has been oesophageal voice. Reported success in acquisition of this varies from 24 per cent to 90 per cent of laryngectomies, with an average of 64 per cent (Salmon, 1988). In a very selected group of successful laryngectomy patients (Jay et al, 1991), 56 per cent felt they had acquired satisfactory oesophageal voice and 78 per cent of all the patients were satisfied with their voice rehabilitation.…”

An Evaluation Pertaining to Esophageal Speech Outcomes in Alaryngeal Patients

“…The factors affecting the esophageal speech outcome may be different from each research study or individual cases. [13][14][15][16] For example, Keith et al 13 found that initial speech proficiency rating, educational level, and depression factors related to esophageal speech outcomes but Kresić et al 16 found that only patient's motivation factor affecting to esophageal speech outcome. Therefore, information about esophageal speech outcomes in alaryngeal patients will help speech pathologists to choose an appropriate speech rehabilitation method.…”