AIR-FLOW AND PRESSURE CHARACTERISTICS OF 3 DIFFERENT TRACHEOSTOMA VALVES

Tracheoesophageal speakers can achieve speech without digital occlusio n by using a tracheostoma. valve. Laryngectomized patients who are suc cessful with this device can regain considerable freedom. However, lit tle is known about which valve suits the patient best. Valve aerodynam ics may give a guideline for its use. Three major tracheostoma valves, each divided into four subtypes, were repeatedly measured in this stu dy. Dynamic pressure and airflow rate signals were sampled through an analog-digital interface into a computer. Considerable aerodynamic dif ferences were observed between the tested valves. The maximum airflow rates, closing pressures, and resistances at low velocities were compa red. The presented data may help increase the successful use of trache ostoma valves in tracheoesophageal speakers. Patient factors and addit ional valve factors should always be taken into account. Further clini cal study to validate the clinical relevance of the data is needed.