What is a voice-forming device and how does it work?
People suffering from the absence of part or all of the larynx cannot make sounds correctly and communicate normally with other people. In such situations, without a specialized device, a person can only generate an esophageal, pharyngeal or fistulous voice.
The voice-forming apparatus (the so-called "electronic larynx" with battery power) is a modern medical equipment developed on the basis of innovative technologies and intended for use in case of loss of voice due to illness or accident. A portable external device, when applied to the skin of the neck (face), begins to vibrate, after which the vibrations produced by it are transformed by the tongue and lips into understandable speech.
However, it should be noted that the voice generated by the "artificial larynx" has a metallic, sometimes "robotic" sound, but amenable to some modulation.
When is the voice-forming device used?
The use of an electromechanical voice-forming device is recommended for people who:
- they underwent surgery to remove the larynx, for example, with cancer (laryngectomy), and for medical reasons it is impossible to put a laryngeal prosthesis on them;
- deprived of the ability to communicate as a result of percutaneous tracheostomy (creating a hole in the anterior wall of the trachea for air to enter the respiratory tract).
The device can also be successfully used for diseases that cause temporary loss of voice or weakening of the vocal cords.
What is the principle of operation of the device?
The patient presses the device to the neck or inserts a small tube into the corner of the mouth. After pressing the button on the typewriter, it makes a sound. When he starts moving his tongue and mouth, you can put sounds into words. Many devices have buttons that allow you to change the pitch or tone of the sound produced by the electronic larynx. This makes the voice more diverse.
If a person uses a voice assistant for the larynx for the first time, experts recommend that you first just learn to speak using a voice-forming device, without adjusting the tonality or volume. The most important thing is to find the "golden mean" in the neck area.
The easiest way is to place the electric larynx on the neck at different points and try to pronounce one syllable. This is done until the patient hears the best projection through the mouth. It is very important to press the device tightly against the neck to make speech louder and clearer.
What types of voice-forming device are there?
There are many different brands and types of voice-forming devices, but all of them are usually the size of a small electric razor. The most widely used and commercially available on the market are the following models:
- Nu-Voice (Idaho, USA) - has two buttons: one for volume control and the other for pitch adjustment. The device is used transervically and comes with a transition tube for transoral use.
- Servox (Germany) - very similar to Nu-Voice. The standard model is characterized by high voice quality, with the possibility of individual tuning of tonality and volume, depending on whether the patient is indoors or outdoors. In addition, the device is appropriately protected from bumps or unexpected falls.
- TruTone (California, USA) is a portable device with an oral adapter. Allows you to control the pitch by pressing your finger directly, and the pitch is adjusted by increasing or decreasing the pressure on one button.
- Amplicord D1 (Italy) is an innovative "electronic larynx" with a fully digital circuit. The Italian manufacturer has created a one-of-a-kind device that activates directly on the skin of the neck without pressing a button.
- AG 80 (Russia) is a more modern analogue of the Chronos AG-2000 device. It is easy to use, lightweight and safe. The throat microphone has a smooth adjustment of tone and volume in the range of 55-110 Hz. The device is started with one button.
It should be noted that there is a significant price spread between different models, which may affect the decision on the choice of the device.
Recommendations for selection voice-forming device
Before purchasing a voice device, you should familiarize yourself with its technical characteristics. The most important thing is the ability to change the pitch at your discretion.
Where to buy a voice-forming device?
The Medika online store offers a device thanks to which you can quickly restore the ability to communicate verbally. The technology used provides a wide range of individual adaptation of the device to the needs of the user. A simple operating system will allow you to easily set the appropriate volume and tone of voice.
The electronic larynx available in our store guarantees safe operation of the device and high comfort of use. Here you will also find high-quality hearing aids and other medical equipment in a wide range. The goods are delivered throughout Ukraine.