TRENDS IN VOICE REHABILITATION IN THE UNITED-KINGDOM

Three main basic forms of vocal rehabilitation are available for post- laryngectomy patients in this country: oesophageal, mechanical vibrato r and valved speech. In Sheffield, we advocate the use of valved speec h, and insertion of the prosthesis preferably at the time of laryngect omy. We studied current vocal rehabilitation trends in the United King dom by a random survey of 100 consultant otolaryngologists and present our findings here. While all forms of vocal rehabilitation are provid ed in the majority of centres, 20% of units involved in head and neck surgery do not have optimum levels of speech therapy involvement.