An intraoral self-contained artificial larynx.
It has been estimated that approximately one third to one half of persons undergoing total laryngectomy do not obtain a satisfactory voice. These patients remain aphonic or use artificial larynges to facilitate their communication. A multidisciplinary group at Thomas Jefferson University has developed a miniaturized artificial larynx that fits on a dental prosthesis or dental plate which has over a 100-dB sound pressure level output at the source and is powered by two hearing aid batteries with a life expectancy of over 100 hours of continuous use. Clinical trials have shown that persons using other artificial devices quickly adapt to this new artificial larynx, and the first person who began using the device, an Italian, commented that he could now use both hands; and felt that this was a great help because of his ethnic background.
D003778:Dentures; D011211:Electric Power Supplies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007831:Larynx, Artificial; D008297:Male; D008904:Miniaturization; D011474:Prosthesis Design