Electrolarynx

A handheld device that makes speech possible for people who have undergone LARYNGECTOMY (surgical removal of the larynx) or whose larynx is otherwise nonfunctional. The normal larynx consists of the VOCAL CORDS, CARTILAGE, MUSCLE, and ligaments. These tissues vibrate to generate the sounds the structures of the MOUTH convert into speech. The electrolarynx uses a rapidly moving diaphragm to generate vibrations that can help restore speaking ability.

There are two kinds of electrolarynx in common use:

• The transcervical electrolarynx rests against the neck or the cheek and sends vibrations through the muscles of the neck. Similar in appearance to a small flashlight, the transcervical electrolarynx requires one hand to hold it in place and has a finger-activated switch.
• The intraoral electrolarynx uses a small tube, somewhat like a straw, that rests along the inside of the cheek and sends vibrations directly to the structures of the mouth. Some models mount components in a denture or orthodontic device. An external amplifier and speaker project the sound.

Nearly all models of either kind operate on batteries and are easy for most people to use. The transcervical electrolarynx requires enough remaining healthy muscle tissue in the neck to transmit vibration. It is not a viable option when there is extensive tissue loss due to injury, such as trauma or BURNS, or surgery, such as for laryngeal CANCER. The vibrating diaphragm of the electrolarynx cannot produce the same intensity or range of tone as the natural structures of the healthy larynx, resulting in speech that tends to be machinelike and difficult to understand.