Tracheostoma valve for speech rehabilitation in laryngectomees

In the newer surgical procedures for fistula speech, finger occlusion of the tracheostoma is mandatory for speech production. This can be embarrassing as it draws attention to the patient's stoma. Finger occlusion is unhygienic and at times inconvenient. A new tracheostoma valve has been designed to eliminate the need for finger occlusion for speech. It has been evaluated clinically in nine laryngectomees, all of whom retained a good objective quality of speech similar to that obtained by finger occlusion. Vocal efficiency measurements with the valve are very encouraging. The valve is simple to use, of universal size, self-retaining, does not need any skin cleansing and obviates the need for skin adhesives to hold the valve in place.