Phonetic damage related to unilateral functional inhibition of the lingual nerve.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of unilateral functional inhibition of the lingual nerve in phonetic function by perceptual and acoustic analyses of speech, which was recorded before and after neurosensory modification of the lingual nerve, and a comparison of results of these evaluations with a subject's self-perception.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

The sample consisted of 10 volunteers who had the lingual nerve of the right side anesthetized. The analyzed recordings consisted of terms directly dependent on the tongue for production. In the perceptual analysis, pitch and loudness behaviors were observed, in addition to coarticulation and intelligibility. The acoustic analysis of 5 vowels and sibilant /s/ was realized. A questionnaire about the discomfort level in speech production was applied.

RESULTS

Perceptual/auditive and acoustic parameters showed no significant differences. Although 3 informants declared some kind of discomfort related to speech production, they presented no acoustic or perceptual modification in sound quality.

CONCLUSIONS

Although inhibition of sensory function of the lingual nerve generated considerable annoyance, there was no specific damage to phonetic function in the group under study, because no differences were observed in the quality of the speech of subjects after applying anesthesia to the lingual nerve.