Quantification of vocal tract configuration of laryngectomees by acoustic reflection technology (ART)

Abstract

This study compared the vocal tract configuration, including the length and volume, of alaryngeal and laryngeal speakers. Thirty alaryngeal speakers and 30 laryngeal speakers were recruited for the study. Pharyngometry, which is an acoustic reflection technology (ART), was used to measure the vocal tract parameters of the participants. Results showed that there was no significant difference in the length and volume of the vocal tract of the alaryngeal and laryngeal speakers. The finding suggested that the difference in the formant frequency during vowel production by alaryngeal and laryngeal speakers may be due to factors other than vocal tract configuration. The finding also suggested that the independence of the source and the filter (Fant, 1960; Pickett, 1999) may not be applicable to alaryngeal speakers.