Using the PRAAT software to describe dependence of speech intelligibility on tongue mobility in 6 patients after salvage glossectomy and reconstruction with a serratus anterior free flap

xlomafota13 shared this article with you from Inoreader Using the PRAAT software to describe dependence of speech intelligibility on tongue mobility in 6 patients after salvage glossectomy and reconstruction with a serratus anterior free flap Via Clinical Otolaryngology Abstract The serratus anterior free flap (SAFF) represents an ideal free flap for tongue reconstruction providing enormous flexibility, low donor site morbidity and adequate bulk for excellent functional restoration. Speech intelligibility is higher for meaningful words compared to syllables before (89.6% vs. 81.3%) and after (67.7% vs. 51.9%) salvage glossectomy highlighting the necessity of content for intelligibility. We used the free available PRAAT software for evaluation of the formant (F1 and F2) frequencies of the vowels /a:/, /i:/ and /u:/. Data showed that particularly protrusion, elevation and retroflexion of the tongue were affected resulting in characteristic changes of vowel pronunciation. Using the PRAAT software further allows transduction of objective phonetic variables (formants) into functional parameters and visualization of (impaired) tongue mobility. An improved understanding of the dependence of tongue mobility and functionality may be helpful to achieve better functional outcome in future tongue reconstructions. View on the web Inoreader. Take back control of your news feed. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.