[Qualitative spectral evaluation of oesophagic voice].

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study is to determine the accuracy of acoustic spectrography as an outstanding tool in the characterization and monitoring of esophageal voice. MATERIAL AND METHODS Our subjects were comprised of 33 laryngectomized patients (all male) that underwent qualitative acoustic (spectrography of vowel /a/ and a sentence), quantitative acoustic (phonation time, fundamental frequency, maximun intensity sound level, speech rate) and perceptual protocol. RESULTS There is a significant statistical relationship among Yanagihara-like spectrographic chart classification, psycho-acoustical perception and quantitative acoustic parameters. CONCLUSION We consider that acoustic spectrography is an easy, effective method for studying esophageal voice, seeking for improving oral communication skills and rehabilitation in the laryngectomee population.