3 ways of language compensation after laryngeal cancer surgery

The larynx is an important organ of pronunciation. Many patients are afraid that they will no longer be able to speak after surgery. In fact, they can make language compensation in the following three ways to make sounds, speak, and even give speeches again.

1. Artificial larynx

There are two types of artificial larynx: mechanical larynx and electronic larynx. They use artificial pronunciation devices to replace the vibration of vocal cords to produce sound, and then process it through the nose, pharynx, mouth, tongue, teeth, and lips to form language. The mechanical artificial larynx uses the air exhaled from the inside to vibrate the metal reed or film to produce sound. The sound is introduced into the pharynx through a tube through the mouth. It is cheap, but because of the small frequency change, the sound is monotonous and needs to be cleaned every day, which is very inconvenient. The electronic larynx is an artificial larynx with a semiconductor device. When using it, hold the artificial larynx at the best pronunciation point on the front side of the neck to transmit the sound into the pharynx to form language. It is easy to use, clean, and convenient, but it is expensive and the battery needs to be charged. The pronunciation is not ideal for those who have undergone neck lymph node dissection or radiotherapy.

2. Esophageal sounds

The air stored in the esophagus hits the muscles around the esophagus upwards to make the sound vibrate, and then is processed by the nasopharynx, mouth, tongue, teeth and lips. This is the most convenient and economical way to pronounce. About 1/3 of people without larynx can pronounce with this method.

3. Surgery with severe pronunciation

Through surgery, a tube or opening is made between the posterior wall of the trachea and the anterior wall of the esophagus or the pharynx, and a ventilator is installed. When speaking, air enters the esophagus or pharynx through the tube to make sounds. In recent years, new larynx reconstruction surgeries have been carried out in China, and selective pronunciation reconstruction can be performed under the condition of tumor removal. It is believed that through different compensation methods, people without larynx will definitely overcome the pain of being unable to speak and live and work like healthy people.