Detailed investigation of alaryngeal speech to elucidate etiology of variation in quality.

Multiple parameters in the postlaryngectomy patient were statistically investigated with regard to acquisition and quality of alaryngeal speech. The 15 most significant variables are discussed. Esophageal peristalsis occurred during attempts to inject air for vocalization in 100% of the poor or nonspeakers. This may serve as an early indication to proceed with a synthetic vocal prosthesis.