Which form of alaryngeal speech has become the treatment of choice after laryngectomy?

Artificial Larynx (Electrolarynx) Despite significant improvements in speech production using other methods and despite the mechanical sound produced by artificial larynges, this method remains the prevailing speech alternative for most patients after total laryngectomy.

How is esophageal speech produced after total laryngectomy?

Esophageal speech is achieved by the intake of air from the oral and pharyngeal space into the upper esophagus, which serves as a reservoir. The air is then released in a controlled manner and causes the pharyngo-esophageal (PE) segment to vibrate for the production of speech.

What are two options for voice production after laryngectomy?

The 3 basic options for voice restoration after total laryngectomy (TL) are (1) artificial larynx speech, (2) esophageal speech, and (3) tracheoesophageal speech.

What is the most functional and physiologic quality option for speech rehabilitation after total laryngectomy?

Comparing Alaryngeal Voice Restoration Methods Currently esophageal speech, electrolarynx, and tracheoesophageal puncture are the most commonly used methods of alaryngeal speech rehabilitation following laryngectomy.

Can you talk after a total laryngectomy?

While your throat heals, you’ll need to be fed through a tube that’s passed through your nose and into your stomach. If you have had all of your larynx removed (total laryngectomy), you will not be able to speak normally, because you’ll no longer have vocal cords.

How do you talk if your voice box is removed?

Your ability to talk will depend on how much of your voice box was removed. If all of it was removed, you will need to learn new ways to communicate. If only a part of your voice box was removed, you may be able to talk after your throat has healed. Losing your ability to talk can be very upsetting and hard to accept.

Can you speak after your voice box is removed?

If you have had all of your larynx removed (total laryngectomy), you will not be able to speak normally, because you’ll no longer have vocal cords.

What is gastric speech?

Alaryngeal speech is speech using an airstream mechanism that uses features other than the glottis to create voicing. There are three types: esophageal, buccal, and pharyngeal speech. Each of these uses an alternative method of creating phonation to substitute for the vocal cords in the larynx.

What kind of speech is possible after laryngectomy?

Because laryngectomy involves removal of the vocal cords, normal vocalization is not possible. There are three types of alternative speech: 1. Esophageal Speech Impediments to development of esophageal speech can include: 2. Electrolarynx Speech 3. Tracheo-Esophageal Prosthesis (TEP) Speech

How is a tracheostomy different from a laryngectomy?

Laryngectomy and tracheostomy are two procedures that create an opening in the trachea with placement of a stoma. Although they are similar in this way, they are different in the following ways: Complete removal of the larynx with re-direction of the trachea. Mainly used to treat airway obstruction. Speech occurs through a speaking valve.

Can a person regain their sense of smell after a laryngectomy?

Because air no longer passes through the nose, taste and smell are impaired after laryngectomy. Fortunately, there is an exercise called the Nasal Airway Induced Maneuver that can help. In one study, 46% of laryngectomy patients trained in this maneuver re-gained their sense of smell.

What happens to the skin after a laryngectomy?

After a laryngectomy, the skin around the stoma needs to be cleaned twice a day to prevent odor, irritation and infection. If the skin becomes irritated or red, it should be left uncovered and use of solvents should be avoided for two days.