Talking Again

 

• Recommended Reading
• Electrolarynx
• Esophageal Speech
• TEP/Prosthesis
• Hands-Free Devices
• Text to Speech Apps
• Alternative Communications
• Speech Difficulties

 

Esophageal Speech Samples

 

Click on the Links below to hear samples of esophageal speech:

 

• Barb
• Elizabeth
• Ellen
• Jesse
• Jewell
• Kyle
• Marianne
• Sandy

 

Sample of Esophageal Speech *

(*Sample provided courtesy of Dr. Philip C. Doyle, Voice Production and Perception Laboratory, University of Western Ontario)

 

esophageal speech

 

 

Esophageal Speech - probably the most difficult to master. You will need a speech therapist to help you learn how to force air into to the top of your esophagus and expel it out again through your mouth. This air movement will vibrate the walls of the esophagus and create the "sound" of your voice. There are advantages to this method of speech - you are not battery-dependent and both of your hands are free for other things.

 

(Permission to re-print provided by InHealth Technologies, Carpinteria, CA.)

A. Tongue press to inject air into esophagus.

B. Air enters esophagus.

C. Air released from esophagus to produce sound.

D. Sound shaped into speech.

E. Location of tissue vibration for sound.

 

TRICKS TO ESOPHAGEAL SPEECH

I will provide my comments regarding the tricks to esophageal speech and I am sure the others will have comments as well. After five months if your husband is getting whispers then he is on his way to speaking again. After my operation, I would say it took me a good eight months or more to produce sound loud enough to be heard by more than one. The secret is practice and more practice and you must relax to speak. After several months the muscles in the throat become strong and the whisper turns to sounds that you will clearly understand. The use of the tongue and lips to trap air is important, you must insure that you have enough air to speak multiple words. Relax while pumping in the air and forcing it back out. Trying too hard to speak will make it more difficult, whereas relaxing is the key, along with using the tongue and lips to trap the air. Frustrations and getting upset with yourself while learning is normal so please tell your husband not to get upset with that. When it happens just quit and relax before starting again. (Bob Hoover)

 

 READING AND LEARNING

General Index of "Whispers on the Web"

http://webwhispers.org/news/WotWIndex.asp

Our VoicePoints column is written by and for SLPs as well as Laryngectomees. Many are relating to ES.  Here are two excellent ones no matter what speech choice you have made.

VoicePoints: Are Your Voice And Speech "Fit"? (Part 1 of 2)

http://webwhispers.org/news/feb2004.htm

VoicePoints: Are Your Voice And Speech "Fit"? (Part 2 of 2)

http://webwhispers.org/news/mar2004.htm

Elizabeth Finchem wrote many columns relating to ES called "Strictly Speaking" from Aug 2006 through 2010.  Check the General Index above to see topics each month.

 

 

---