ALARYNGEAL COMMUNICATION
| If you consider the "Three W's" (waving - writing & whispering), there are actually four major forms of Alaryngeal communication... but these three shown below are the current methods available to the laryngectomee for successful voice restoration... There is NO "preferred" method and no one is really any better than another, because each and every laryngectomee has their own unique situation post-surgery... The BEST way, is whichever WORKS! It is generally recommended that you attempt to master at least two of these forms of communication, so as to have a back-up whenever it might become necessary... Speech Therapy is very helpful to begin with and always... Practice - Practice - Practice ! |
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This instrument is an "Artificial or Electro-Larynx," it operates on rechargable batteries and vibrates against the neck, chin or cheek, the same as vocal cords might. It also may be fitted with an Oral Adapter which is placed directly into the mouth for speech while the neck is healing. This method is the most often used form for "First" speech after surgery and our "Visits" always include bringing one of these units from the "Joe Schad Loan Closet" to demonstrate and help the new Laryngectomee get started talking as soon as possible. Finding the "Sweet Spot" (where the device sounds best) keeping it tight to the skin, learning to control the switch & volume, along with Over-Articulating your words are key factors in achieving good, accurate & understandable speech. It is very helpful on the telephone, however you may want to try using a speaker-phone or headset since one hand holds the speech device |
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This method of speech is called "Esophageal" You actually take air in through your mouth and then belch it back out, forming words with the sound... Air is introduced into the lower esophagus at point "A" either via the mouth and/or the nasal passages... it is then compressed between the tongue and roof of the mouth "D" and/or partialy swallowed in the upper esophagus "C" so it can be "burped" by the muscles in the lower esopagus "B" to produce the necessary vibrations of the esophagus walls "E" for sound... You soon discover that it is the Articulation of the Mouth, Lips and Tongue, working together that produces words and speech (even when you had vocal chords for producing vibrations) This method leaves your hands free while you talk, but requires much desire and practice, dedication and practice, to learn and practice! This was the very 1st developed form of Alaryngeal Speech and provided the basic foundation for Support Clubs as they exist today... Many Laryngectomees are masters at this form of speech, and make some of the best teachers and mentors |
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This form of speech is achieved using a voice prosthesis, often called a "T.E.P." (Tracheo-Esophageal Puncture) A Fistula (or small hole) is made between the upper Trachea near the Stoma and the Lower Esophagus... A Prosthesis is then inserted into the opening to: A) Keep the fistula from closing; B) Keep liquids etc, from leaking into the trachea and C) Allow air-flow into the esophagus... By occluding the stoma with either a hand or hands-free valve unit, air can thus be forced into the lower esophagus where it vibrates the throat walls and produces sound... Up through the mouth, again where these vibrations become words and speech This system was developed during the 1980's by Eric Blom, PhD CCC-SLP; together with Dr Marc Singer & Dr Ron Hamacker... It definitely requires the services of a trained Speech Pathologist, as the prosthesis must be periodically cleaned and/or replaced... There are several to choose from today: "In-Dwelling" - changed by an SLP every 3 to 6 months, or "Low-Pressure"- changed by patients after proper training |
| No Matter your preferrence for speech restoration, it is important to keep in mind that you did not learn to talk over night as a child and learning to speak again is not instantaneous either... Laryngectomees tend to have much frustration which can then cause anger, especially in the beginning when others have a hard time understanding them... This anger is purely a "Lose - Lose" situation and that is why Practice - Practice - Practice, becomes so very important! Using a mirror to reflect your mouth movement while learning to emphasize and articulate can prove very helpful as well as a small voice recorder or memo machine to record your voice for playback and progress comparisons... Working with a qualified Speech Pathologist, is highly recommended, especially to begin with, and usually covered by insurance... Support Clubs and Group Therapy sessions are also a wonderful way to both learn and practice, providing you with a comfortable peer environment... And for less tedious practice, don't forget Singing! |
with more information regarding: Laryngeal Cancer & All Types of Voice Restoration PLUS extensive TEP information, including Insertion and Replacment techniques CLICK HERE for LINK www.orl.nl/laryngectomy |
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