Electrolarynx

When the larynx is removed, the natural source of phonation (i.e., vocal fold vibration) is removed along with it. The electrolarynx (EL) is an electromechanically driven device that supplies an alternative sound source for speech after laryngectomy. [Page 675]This entry describes the types of ELs and how EL speech is produced.

There are two main types of ELs, both of which provide the vibratory source needed to produce speech in the absence of vocal folds. Transcervical or neck-type devices provide an external sound source that is transmitted to the oral cavity via vibration of neck, chin, or cheek tissue. Transoral or oral-type ELs deliver acoustic energy directly to the vocal tract via a small-diameter plastic tube inserted in the mouth. Most ELs are simple and easy ...