Purpose
The problem of the role of the pathologist in the speech and language disorders concerned with laryngectomy is high for contemporary neurolinguistic science. The article by Goldstein et al Training Effects on Speech Production Using a Hands-Free Electromyographically Controlled Electrolarynx represents the use of the electrolarynx (EL). This device is widely implemented today in an alaryngeal speech. However, it produces a specific voice with a particular frequency. The purpose of the article is to demonstrate the electromyographically controlled EL (EMG-EL) and its manual for people having phonological difficulties of such kind. Formal models and variables as for the study need an extension. This is why this priority is in the first place in the article.
Methods
The research by Goldstein et al provides the facts and approaches toward phonological complexity and laryngectomy. For the purpose of the research 3 participants with laryngectomy and 4 with normal voice were selected. They were trained to produce EMG-EL speech. For this procedure, the speech was produced through a multiple-baseline. Afterward, the results of baseline were provided through 3 testing probes and supporting training sessions. The use of appropriate sounds for the treatment of phonological disorders is indicated in the article.
Results
EMG-EL activation among all participants showed definite correspondence with articulation. The experiment is successful due to the fact that the predictions of researchers went in a straightforward way. Testing protocol showed that every 1 of 3 participants greatly accomplished the manual themselves. In this respect, the successful methodology outlined the correctness of the results. Such participants who succeeded in the experiment of 6-weeks long were even able to use EMG-EL while speaking over the phone conversations. Thus, the initial goals were determined. By this, the result of the discussion comes to rational supposition for further researches.
Conclusions & Discussion
The research showed that the use of the hands-free device for persons with laryngectomy and normal individuals with no problems in this field is rather efficient. Determining training sessions of three or four hours each day will positively influence the persons with a laryngectomy. EMG-EL is the ideal means for contemporary medical practice. Its use displayed that individuals can learn how to produce sounds themselves. This is helpful for particular correction of speech via EMG-EL for further researches.
Personal impressions
To sum up, the authors closely and masterly represent the device itself. The stages of the experiment and the evaluation of the EMG-EL effect make the arguments in the article stronger. In this respect, the authors achieved the initial goal of the effectiveness of the use of the analyzed device. The experience of researchers and their appeal to previous studies make the article rich in content. Its performance is greatly organized and needs no additional support in materials. The methodology in the article presupposes the comparative analysis. Thus, its applicability of it is scientifically correct. The results are widely discussed in terms of every method being used. The background for the results is apparent even in the description of the experiment flow. The firmness of the ideas by Goldstein et al is colored with the implementation of outer knowledge about achievements in medicine and linguistics at the time. In terms of the conclusions, the author provides the robustness of supporting phenomena as of laryngectomy. The article drives a would-be language pathologist not to hesitate when implementing El supplements in their diversity. EMG-EL demonstrates a new circle in the development of high technologies for curing phonological disorders.
Works cited
Goldstein, Ehab A., Heaton, James T., Stepp, Cara E. & Hillman, Robert E. “Training Effects on Speech Production Using a Hands-Free Electromyographically Controlled Electrolarynx.” Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research (2007) 50: 335-351.