Talking Again

 

 

 

Esophageal Speech Samples

 

 

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. If I can help in any way drop me a line I'll try to answer any questions you may have. (Bob Hoover)

 

WHAT DOES ESOPHAGEAL SPEECH SOUND LIKE?

Click on the Link below to hear a sample of esophageal speech:

Sample of Esophageal Speech *

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

 

A NEW TEACHING TEXTBOOK

The new 130-page publication by James C. Sansing, "Voice Restoration for the Laryngectomized", offers a wealth of information, practical advice, helpful suggestions and useful tips for anyone working with new laryngectomees. Sansing's friendly, readable presentation is taken from his own experiences on both sides - as a laryngectomee and as a teacher of esophageal speech. This is an ideal source book for student speech pathologists and for those new to working with laryngectomees, as well as for laryngectomees who have learned to speak well and now want to teach well. Even experienced speech pathologists are likely to find a few things to think about. The book includes word lists and sources of laryngectomee related products and supplies, with forwards by James Shanks, PhD., SLP, and Max Kattner, MD. The book's retail price is $30.00. A bulk shipment order (ten or more) will receive a 10% discount. Orders over $75 will not be charged S & H. Orders can be placed at: Luminaud Inc., 8688 Tyler Blvd., Mentor OH 44060. One may order also by phone: 1-800-255-3408 or via Email to Luminaud.

 

 

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