Female-pitched sound-producing voice prostheses--initial experimental and clinical results

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Speech Pathology
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Laryngectomy often results in impaired voice quality, particularly in females or those with hypotonic pharyngo-esophageal segments.
• Existing alaryngeal voice production methods have limitations in achieving natural-sounding speech.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a novel sound-producing voice prosthesis for improved alaryngeal voice in female laryngectomees.
• To assess the feasibility, acoustic characteristics, and clinical efficacy of a new pneumatic sound source.

Main Methods:

• Development of four prototypes of a pneumatic sound source utilizing bent silicone lips.
• In vitro and in vivo evaluation in two female laryngectomees, including acoustic analysis, videofluoroscopy, speech rate, and phonatory pressure measurements.
• Comparison of voice quality with traditional tracheo-esophageal shunt voice.

Main Results:

• The prosthetic voice mechanism was feasible and did not cause significant airflow resistance.
• In vivo evaluations demonstrated increased average pitch and improved voice clarity in female patients.
• Pitch regulation was achievable, allowing for modulation and avoidance of monotony.

Conclusions:

• The developed sound-producing voice prosthesis offers a promising new avenue for alaryngeal voice rehabilitation.
• Voice quality is dependent on efficient airflow through the pharyngo-esophageal segment, minimizing mucosal vibrations.
• A single, longer silicone lip design shows potential for optimal prosthetic voice characteristics.