Purpose and Relevance of My Proposed Study

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Relevance and Purpose

Many individuals who undergo a total laryngectomy elect to also undergo surgical voice restoration to communicate with a tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis. While many studies have been done which have shown great initial success with this device (Attieh, Searl, Shahaltough, Wreikat, & Lundy, 2008; Blom, Singer, & Hamaker, 1986; Gerwin & Culton, 2005; Graville, Gross, Andersen, Everts, & Cohen, 1999; Kazi et al., 2007; Leder & Cara Erksin, 1997; Shuster et al., 2004; Singer & Blom, 1980; Wetmore, Krueger, & Wesson, 1981), few studies have looked at long-term follow up (Ferrer Ramirez et al., 2001; Geraghty, Wenig, Smith, & Portugal, 1996), particularly among the elderly population. The purpose of this study is to determine if users of a tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis are (a) satisfied with their device and (b) using their device successfully with advancing age.

Research Questions

This study seeks to answer the following research questions.

            1. How do users of a tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis feel about their ability to use their device as they age?

            2. How do users of a tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis feel about their ability to maintain their device as they age?

            3. How do certain medical conditions influence the use of a tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis in those who use this device to communicate?

            4. Is there a difference in average duration of device use from a tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis as individuals age?