Effect of the tracheoesophageal voice resistance test in total laryngectomees.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To analyze tracheoesophageal voice resistance in laryngectomized patients by comparing the acoustic, perceptive-auditory and self-evaluation measures before and after the voice resistance test.

STUDY

DESIGN

An observational, experimental study with a quantitative and descriptive approach.

METHODS

Nineteen total laryngectomees were submitted for capture of vocal intensity, self-assessment of signs and symptoms of voice fatigue using a visual analogue scale, and perceptive-auditory and acoustic analysis of the tracheoesophageal voice before and after the voice resistance test, which consisted of continuous repeated counting from one to 100.

RESULTS

The mean time of execution of the test was 33.68 minutes. Type II sound signal, voice intensity, voice quality, degree of severity of dysphonia, and the pitch and loudness parameters were maintained after the test. There were no changes in signs and symptoms of vocal fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS

Most of the total laryngectomees performed the voice resistance test for less than 30 minutes. However, the voice resistance test did not induce significant changes in the quality of tracheoesophageal voice of total laryngectomees or in the signs and symptoms of vocal fatigue.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 2016 127:405-410, 2017.