Development of a wearable electro-larynx for laryngectomees and its evaluation

Abstract

An electro-larynx is one of speech-substitute devices for patients who have lost laryngeal function. Unfortunately, the voices produced by a conventional electro-larynx are completely flat, unlike a human voice. In order to improve it, we developed a pitch-controlled electro-larynx that allows patients to control a voice intonation using their exhalation. The pitch-controlled electro-larynx has been manufactured in Japan and about 3500 patients have used the device since 1998. However, most patients have strongly requested a further advanced electro-larynx so that they can use it without their hands occupied. We designed a wearable electro-larynx so that it contributes to increase their quality of life. The new electro-larynx can be attached to the patient's neck using a thermo-plastic brace on which a thin-vibrator can be mounted. In this report, we mentioned how to design the wearable electro-larynx and the new electro-larynx was evaluated from a view-point of its sound quality and the usability. Although our wearable electro-larynx has not yet been equipped with the pitch-control function, it was ascertained that it works well while the users are moving their head in the various direction.

Development of a hands‐free electrolarynx for obtaining a human‐like voice using the LPC residual wave

“…During these 20 years, many a research has been done on hands-free artificial larynx with a transducer worn on the neck. [2][3][4][5][6] There is also research on hands-free EL with sound start and stop detected using myopotential (EMG) sensors. [7][8][9][10] However, neither technology has been developed into wide practical use.…”

Design of Electrolarynx to Increase Energy Efficiency by Varying the Driving Source

“…A wearable device has been designed that uses a thin vibrator on a plastic support attached to the neck region (Hashiba et al, 2007). This vibrator is controlled by a wireless controller kept in the user's pocket.…”

A Design of Low Power Electrolarynx with Glottal Modified Source

“…Several miniaturization concepts are considered by researchers to make the patient's life easier. To reduce the size of the device, a thin vibrator [13] which can be attached to the neck surface with the help of a brace was designed. The transducer is controlled by the pocket sized wireless controller.…”