Certified Rehabilitation Registered Nurse (CRRN) Practice Exam

What method is used to produce esophageal speech?

1. Coughing forcefully

2. Throat vibrations

3. Burping to exert pressure and produce vibration

4. Blowing air out through the mouth

The correct answer is: Burping to exert pressure and produce vibration

Esophageal speech is a technique used by individuals who have lost their natural voice due to laryngeal removal or other injuries. The process primarily involves the use of the esophagus to create sound. In this method, individuals learn to "burp" air that is then expelled through the esophagus, causing vibrations that can be articulated into speech. The key to esophageal speech lies in the ability to control the airflow and pressure within the esophagus. When a person burps, they are effectively sending a controlled amount of air into the esophagus, which then vibrates the tissues in a manner akin to vocal cord vibrations, allowing the person to produce intelligible speech. This method takes practice and training, often guided by a speech therapist, to master the various nuances required for effective communication. Other methods mentioned, like coughing forcefully, throat vibrations, or blowing air out through the mouth, do not adequately replicate the mechanics of sound production necessary for intelligible speech following laryngectomy or other vocal loss. Burping is distinctive because it harnesses the unique characteristics of esophageal air pressure and tissue vibration, differentiating it as the method specifically associated with producing esophageal speech.