Oesophageal speech following total laryngectomy

Abstract

Following laryngectomy, there is a resultant increase in longivity of life, that makes it mandatory that the laryngectomized patient finds his rightful place in society. The development of successful oesophageal speech is not only important from the psychological point of view of the patient gaining confidence in being able to express himself, but also from the employment point of view. In our country where a majority of the patients come from poor economic status, the latter assumes a great significance in the overall rehabilitation. Unfortunately, not all patients are able to develop good oesophageal speech. This paper will attempt to investigate some of the factors which might contribute to the success or failure of the development of speech in a laryngectomy patient.