Phonologic and acoustic analysis of speech following glossectomy and the effect of rehabilitation on speech outcomes

Publication date: Available online 11 December 2016
Source:Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Author(s): Jun Takatsu, Nobuhiro Hanai, Hidenori Suzuki, Masahiro Yoshida, Yasuhiro Tanaka, Seiya Tanaka, Yasuhisa Hasegawa, Masahiko Yamamoto
PurposeThe changes in acoustic features in the perioperative phase for elucidating the mechanisms of articulation disorder, and the effect of perioperative rehabilitation were studied prospectively.MethodsThe 62 tongue cancer patients were divided into 2 groups: a partial glossectomy group (n=40), and a reconstruction group (n=22). Acoustic characteristics were analyzed during the preoperative and postoperative periods, and after rehabilitation, using the following: the first and second formant (F1 and F2) of the vowels /a/, /i/, and /u/; the triangular vowel space area (tVSA); and the slopes of formant transitions.ResultsIn both groups, a reduction in the tVSA and formant slopes was demonstrated between the preoperative and the postoperative periods; and the acoustic characteristics of the reconstruction group especially improved to the preoperative values after rehabilitation. Analysis of the postoperative period revealed acoustic characteristics to be altered at the site of surgical resection.ConclusionThe changes of acoustic variables are related to excision size and site, suggesting the distinctive tongue portion for articulation of each speech sound. Perioperative rehabilitation may activate the articulators, and increase the range of movement of the remaining tongue, especially preserved anterior tongue.



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