[Speech intelligibility and psychosocial adaptation in various voice rehabilitation methods following laryngectomy]

Abstract

Intelligibility and psychosocial adjustment are measured by the PLTT (Post-Laryngectomy-Telephone-Test) and a newly developed questionnaire (FPAL). 110 male patients with total or partial laryngectomies are tested. Three different groups are compared with each other: laryngectomees with voice prostheses, laryngectomees with oesophageal voice or artificial larynx, and patients with partial laryngectomies. As was to be expected, intelligibility (single words and sentences) was best in patients with partial laryngectomies. The intelligibility of the laryngectomees with voice prostheses is significantly higher than the intelligibility of patients with oesophageal voice or artificial larynx. There was no difference between the groups with regard to the subjective assessment of intelligibility in relation to various communication partners. Partial laryngectomies have the lowest negative impact on the social and psychological situation of the patients. Laryngectomees, however, are more lonely, indicate more psychological stress in social interactions, and have a less positive evaluation of their life. Statistical analyses reveal no difference in psychosocial adjustment between laryngectomees with voice prostheses, oesophageal voice and artificial larynges.