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Electrolarynx in voice rehabilitation
1Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208, USA. hanjun-liu@northwestern.edu
Auris, Nasus, Larynx
|January 24, 2007
Summary
Electrolarynx (EL) speech technology is improving. New algorithms reduce robotic sound and noise, while advanced features offer better pitch control, enhancing communication for laryngeal cancer survivors.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Speech Science
- Rehabilitation Technology
Background:
- Laryngeal cancer surgery often results in loss of natural voice (phonation).
- Electrolarynx (EL) devices are common aids for alaryngeal speech.
- Current EL speech is often monotonic, robotic, and noisy, lacking pitch control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current modalities for improving Electrolarynx (EL) speech.
- To introduce technologies for pitch control and noise reduction in EL devices.
Main Methods:
- Enhancement algorithms applied to reduce radiated and additive noise in EL sound.
- Implementation of pitch-control functions using advanced technologies.
- Review of adaptive filtering and subtractive-type algorithms for noise reduction.
Main Results:
- Noise reduction achieved using adaptive filtering and subtractive algorithms.
- Emerging technologies enable hand-free EL systems with synchronized pitch and voice onset control.
- Demonstrated potential for improved EL speech intelligibility and sound quality.
Conclusions:
- Micro-technology and human-machine integration are key to advancing EL speech.
- Efficient algorithms significantly enhance EL sound quality and intelligibility.
- Improvements in EL technology promise a better quality of life for users.
