Effects of Tonsillectomy on Speech Characteristics

Newswise — Although tonsillectomy is therapeutic for chronic tonsillitis, the procedure has the potential to affect speech quality, by altering the resonant characteristics of the vocal tract, and to modify velopharyngeal function (the closing off of the nose from the mouth during speech).

In a new study presented at the 2007 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, researchers evaluated changes in acoustic features of speech after tonsillectomy. The study examined of 40 patients with enlarged tonsils before and after surgery. Using the Multi Dimensional Voice Program (MDVP), results showed the role of tonsils in speech and in oral and nasal resonance.

The findings of the study could be useful in analyzing speech characteristics, evaluating the effect of future surgical procedures, and helpful both in the choice of the surgical treatment and in speech therapy techniques.

Title: Effects of Tonsillectomy on Speech Spectrum.Authors: Barbara Jankowska, MD, Renzo Mora MD, Francesco Mora, MD, Barbara Crippa,MD,Massimo Dellepiane, MD,Angelo Salami.Date: Tuesday, September 18, 8:36 am - 8:44 am

Information for the MediaThe AAO-HNS Annual Meeting newsroom will be located in Registration East, Street Level of the Washington, DC Convention Center. Hours of operation: Saturday, September 15, 12 pm to 5 pm; Sunday - Tuesday, September 16 -18, 7:30 am to 5 pm; and Wednesday, September 19, 7:30 am to 2 pm. The newsroom serves as a work space for credentialed members of the media and credentialed public relations staff. The newsroom is managed and staffed by the AAO-HNS Communications Unit. Please see the AAO-HNS website for media credentialing requirements for the event - http://www.entnet.org/ent-press/online_reg.cfm.

About the AAO-HNSThe American Academy of Otolaryngology " Head and Neck Surgery (a href="http://www.entnet.org">http://www.entnet.org), one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The organization's mission: "Working for the Best Ear, Nose, and Throat Care."