Some characteristics of voice in near-total laryngectomy

Abstract

Some vocal characteristics were compared in two groups of examinees: patients after near-total laryngectomy and a control group of healthy examinees. Acoustic analysis was carried out using Multi Dimensional Voice Program and Spectra LAB program. Analyzed parameters were: fundamental frequency, the range of fundamental frequency, maximum phonation time, jitter, shimmer, noise to harmonic ratio, voice turbulence index, degree of voice breaks and intensity of voice. We found that voice after near-total laryngectomy had normal mean fundamental frequency, larger range of fundamental frequency, jitter and shimmer were high, as were noise to harmonic ratio and voice turbulence index. Maximum phonation time was short and intensity was lower compared to control group. Degree of voice breaks was significant in near-total laryngectomy group.