Subject(s)
Computers/statistics & numerical data , Education/trends , Female , Humans , Male , Speech-Language Pathology/education , StudentsABSTRACT
A number of hypotheses concerning the causal relationships and interrelationships between esophageal speech acceptability, olfactory abilities, and airflow volume in laryngectomees were tested. To assess the hypotheses, data were collected from 25 laryngectomees and comprised the following: (1) A measure of speech acceptability using a standard passage of prose; (2) odor identification test results in which 14 common odorants were used; (3) odor threshold test results in which an 11-step aqueous dilution series of l-butanol was used and: (4) a measure of nasal airflow volume in liters per minute. The null hypotheses linking speech acceptability, olfaction, and airflow volume were all tested and none of the path coefficients was significant. The results are discussed in relation to observations made by Gilchrist [Acta Otolaryngol. (Stockh.) 75:511-518 (1973)], who noted that those esophageal speakers who attained good speech maintained a greater sensitivity to smell. The findings in the present study do not support Gilchrist's observations.
Subject(s)
Laryngectomy , Smell/physiology , Speech, Alaryngeal , Speech, Esophageal , Humans , Odorants , Sensory Thresholds/physiology , Speech IntelligibilityABSTRACT
This study tested a number of hypotheses concerning the interrelationships between the olfactory abilities and the volume of nasal airflow in laryngectomees. Data were collected from 25 laryngectomees and 25 control subjects and comprised the following: 1) Odor threshold and identification test results. In the threshold test, an 11-step aqueous dilution series of butanol was used. In the odor identification tests, 14 common odorants were used. 2) Measurement of nasal air flow volume in liters per minute. For olfaction and airflow, the laryngectomees' measurements were made under two conditions: 1) using unassisted airflow through the nose, and 2) using a laryngeal bypass that linked the stoma to the mouth and allowed airflow through the nose. The major findings showed that among laryngectomees olfactory abilities depend on nasal airflow. It is concluded that laryngectomees have intact olfactory mechanisms that function normally when adequate airflow volume is provided.
