Communication Options Post Laryngectomy

Presented by Julie Blair

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Video Runtime: 43 Minutes, Learning Assessments: 29 Minutes

The speech pathologist plays a primary role in the restoration of optimal communication following a total laryngectomy. This course will provide information regarding the available communication options for a laryngectomy patient and the advantages, disadvantages, and patient considerations of each, and introduce training methods to facilitate alaryngeal speech production.

Meet your instructor

Julie Blair

Julie Blair is a senior speech pathologist at the Medical University of South Carolina and a member of the Head and Neck Multidisciplinary Team. She holds an adjunct faculty position at the College of Health Professions, where she teaches an introductory course in head and neck cancer and provides clinical supervision for the…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Laryngectomy

1. Laryngectomy

This chapter provides an overview of the indications for a laryngectomy and variations of the surgery that can impact postoperative communication. Communication options will be introduced.

Electrolaryngeal Speech

2. Electrolaryngeal Speech

This chapter provides instruction on production of electrolaryngeal (EL) speech, features of available devices, and methods for training patients to maximize intelligibility.

Esophageal Speech

3. Esophageal Speech

This chapter provides background on the development of esophageal speech (ES) and the various methods for ES voice production. Objectives of therapy to train fluent ES production will be reviewed.

Tracheoesophageal Speech

4. Tracheoesophageal Speech

This chapter provides information on the production of tracheoesophageal (TE) speech, including timing of the surgical procedure and considerations for patient candidacy. Advantages, as well as potential disadvantages, will be discussed.