First clinical experience with a new non-indwelling voice prosthesis (Provox NID) for voice rehabilitation after total laryngectomy.
CONCLUSIONS
The new Provox NID non-indwelling voice prosthesis investigated in this study provides a good option for laryngectomized patients using non-indwelling voice prostheses and can potentially improve safety and increase patients' satisfaction with their voice and speech.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the feasibility of and patient satisfaction with the Provox NID non-indwelling voice prosthesis.


METHODS
Pre- and post-study questionnaires were used to evaluate the patients' former voice prosthesis and the Provox NID voice prosthesis. In addition, measurements of pull-out force, maximum phonation time and loudness were made for both voice prostheses. In vitro measurements of airflow characteristics were also made. Following a 6-week trial, all patients provided feedback on the new voice prosthesis and the results were used to further improve the Provox NID. This final version of the new voice prosthesis was subsequently trialled and evaluated by 10 patients 6 months later.


RESULTS
Overall results showed that patient satisfaction with the Provox NID non-indwelling voice prosthesis was favourable. The pull-out force for the new prosthesis was significantly higher than that for the formerly used prosthesis and its aerodynamic characteristics were better.
Hancock
Kelli
K
Speech Pathology Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Kelli_Hancock@health.qld.gov.au
Houghton
Brooke
B
Van As-Brooks
Corina J
CJ
Coman
William
W
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000403:Airway Resistance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007825:Laryngectomy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D007831:Larynx, Artificial; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010699:Phonation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014833:Voice Quality