Aerodynamic characteristics associated with oesophageal and tracheoesophageal speech of Cantonese

Abstract

The present study investigated the aerodynamic differences between standard oesophageal (SE) and tracheoesophageal (TE) speech. Airflow and air pressure values below the pharyngoesophageal segment were obtained from 10 SE and 12 TE superior speakers of Cantonese. Airflow data were directly measured from sustained vowels, and sub-pharyngoesophageal segment pressure was estimated from /iphiphi/ syllables produced by the alaryngeal speakers. Results indicated that SE speech was associated with a lower rate of airflow and a higher pressure below the pharyngoesophageal segment than TE speech. SE and TE speakers exhibited an average airflow and sub-pharyngoesophageal segment pressure values of 70.50 mL/s and 134.15 mL/s, and 25.13 cm H2O and 22.61 cm H2O, respectively. Using the airflow and sub-pharyngoesophageal segment pressure, neoglottal resistance values were derived. The estimated neoglottal resistance was greater in SE speakers than in TE speakers. It is speculated that such difference in neoglottal resistance may be related to the use of different air reservoir mechanisms between SE and TE speakers. Such information will help speech-language pathologists design better speech therapy regimes for SE and TE speakers by understanding more about the difference between SE and TE phonation.