Speech Breathing Patterns During Tracheoesophageal Speech

Perceptual characteristics of tracheoesophageal speech production using the new indwelling Provox Vega voice prosthesis: A randomized controlled crossover trial

“…[1][2][3] Producing speech at higher levels of aerodynamic power can translate to changes in speech breathing patterns, 4,5 create less efficient voice production, and lead to the perception of an increased sense of vocal effort for tracheoesophageal speakers. 1 Although the basis for the reduced efficiency of TES is multifaceted, 2 main factors contribute to increased airflow resistance: (1) the tonicity and tissue characteristics of the pharyngoesopha-geal segment, 1,6,7 and (2) the resistance of the prosthesis itself and its impact on airflow characteristics.…”

Lung Volumes Used during Speech Breathing in Tracheoesophageal Speakers

“…The TE speakers in the present study initiated speech at higher VCs and terminated speech at lower lung volumes than previously reported for typical speakers, but their results were comparable to values from previous reports on TE speech. 20 The significant differences in VCI and VCT by task were between tidal breathing and both spontaneous speech and reading. There were no significant difCursor placement for measurement of speech onset and offset.…”

“…Previous researchers have reported that TE speakers (without diagnosed diseases of the airway and lungs) use generally the same chest wall movements as laryngeal speakers 22 during spontaneous speech and reading (ie, rib cage and abdominal expansion on inspiration and contraction of the rib cage and abdomen on expiration), 20 but that they manipulate lung volumes quite differently. One example is that TE speakers accomplish tidal breathing by using a greater VC, with lung volume use occurring between 56% VC and 35% VC.…”

“…In light of these challenges, the ability of TE speakers to produce intelligible speech is robust [17][18][19] ; however, research into speech breathing in TE speech is needed. Previous researchers 14 stated that determining the optimal respiratory drive in TE speech would have important clinical implications; however, continued research investigating respiratory changes due to the increased phonatory resistance, reduced VCs, limited expiratory flows, and smoking-related changes in the respiratory system has heretofore 20 been minimal. TE speakers might demonstrate difficulty in meeting the respiratory demands of speech, as well as experiencing an increase in the amount of effort needed for speech, as is often anecdotally described by TE speakers.…”

Sense of Effort and Articulatory Contact Pressure Associated with Talking by Individuals Using Tracheoesophageal Speech

“…p values <0.003 were considered statistically significant. [12,29] are another source of elevated effort that should be explored in subsequent studies along with measures of neoglottal and voice prosthesis resistance.…”