Effects of tonsillectomy on speech spectrum

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.