The role of oesophageal and diaphragmatic movements in alaryngeal speech

Introduction MANY studies have investigated oesophageal speech in laryngectomees. These are best summarized by Diedrich and Youngstrom (1966). Although there are radiological and physiological studies of the oesophagus, interest has tended to focus on the neoglottis. We do not deny the central importance of the neoglottis in alaryngeal speech or that the quality of such speech is a function not only of the neoglottis but also of the morphology of the pharynx. However, it is the aim of this study to assess the relationship of oesophageal and diaphragmatic movements to alaryngeal speech.