Magnitude and Variability of Oral Pressure in Tracheoesophageal Speech

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare mean oral pressure (P_o) and P_o variability: (1) between tracheoesophageal (TE) and laryngeal speakers, and (2) between TE speakers’ voiced and voiceless phonemes. Sixteen TE and 10 laryngeal speakers produced stops and fricatives in a phrase while P_o was recorded. The TE group produced greater mean P_o and P_o variability than the control group. TE speakers did maintain a P_o difference between cognate members with greater pressure on voiceless consonants. A number of possible explanations for the findings are reviewed, although clearer delineation of the issue will require further study.