Abstract
The relationship between characteristic preferences for alaryngeal speech of the laryngectomee and fluency of the esophageal speech were discussed. Same approach was done in the cases speaking with artificial larynx. Personalities of 21 esophageal speakers were examined and classified by the test of “Cornell Medical Index” and “Yatabe-Gilford Characteristic Test”, as well as their occupation and motoricity were referred. It was clarified as results that his personality had big influence to the fluency of the esophageal speech as well as method of operation and condition of recovery.
The results were as follows.
1.“Type C” and “type D” discussed in “Yatabe-Gilford Characteristic Test” were most desirable ones in getting esophageal speech.
2. Personality of good speaker was diagnosed to be “normal”, but the one of poor speaker was to be “neurotic” by the test of “Cornell Medical Index”.
3. Referring to his motoricity, most of the esophageal speakers had adequate physical strength and had previous history of enjoying sports.
4. Cases acquired fairly well esophageal speech returned to their social life.
An artificial larynx was greatly improved by TAPJA and examined by many investigators from different points of view. However, paucity of reports in relation between characteristic preferences for alaryngeal speech with artificial larynx and fluency of the speech with artificial larynx prompted us to investigateit.
The personalities of 64 subjects with artificial larynges were examined by the test of “Cornell Medical Index” and “Yatabe-Gilford Characteristic Test” as well as referring to their age distribution and post operative years.
The following results were gained.
1. Skillfulness of the speech with an artificial pneumatic larynx had no any relation to the post operative years.
2. The subjects spoken by artificial larynges were ranged from 40 to 81 years of age, but skillful speakers were limited from 40 to 60 years of age.
3. The cases with artificial pneumatic larynges were generally inclined to be “neurotic” by the test of “Cornell Medical Index”.
4. Proficient speakers with instruments were inclined to be “less neurotic”.
5. The subjects classified into “group E” and “group B” were less skillful than ones classified into “group D” by “Yatabe-Gilford Characteristic test”.
