Medicine
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is an Electrolarynx?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

An electrolarynx is a device which is intended to reproduce the role of the larynx in speech in patients who have experienced cancer or other conditions which necessitate the removal of the larynx. This speech assistance device helps people communicate in a way which is comfortable and familiar. Numerous medical device companies make electrolarynx products which come in several different configurations to meet different needs.

The earliest artificial larynx dates back to around the 1920s, with electric versions appearing in the 1940s. These devices can make a huge difference in the lives of people who have had their voiceboxes removed. Many regions provide such devices free of charge to patients, along with maintenance and training in how to use them.

Patients who have had their larynx removed may use an electrolarynx to speak.
Patients who have had their larynx removed may use an electrolarynx to speak.

One of the most common types of electrolarynx is a hand-held device which is held against the throat and turned on when the person wants to speak. The electrolarynx produces vibrations which are similar to those generated by the vocal cords, allowing the person to speak relatively normally. It is also possible to use an internal electrolarynx, which vibrates an inserted tube.

A cordectomy as a result of laryngeal cancer may necessitate the use of an electrolarynx.
A cordectomy as a result of laryngeal cancer may necessitate the use of an electrolarynx.

Learning to use an electrolarynx can take time. After surgery, patients often have scarring or other damage in their throats which may require them to move the electrolarynx around in order to find the best spot to use. When well placed, the electrolarynx will allow people to speak relatively normally, although speech can have a slightly flattened, mechanical sound. Some people also find that the “sweet spot” changes with time, requiring small adjustments to the position of the device.

Many patients like to use an external electrolarynx because it requires minimal maintenance, and if one device doesn't work, it's easy to replace it and work with another one. One major drawback to the hand-held electrolarynx as opposed to internal larynx replacement devices is that it ties up a hand. Most people try to use the devices with the non-dominant hand to make them less inconvenient.

When you are talking to someone who uses an electrolarynx, you may have to concentrate harder to understand, although many patients grow skilled at using the device. Many people also say that they appreciate it when people look at them while they are talking, since much of human communication is visual. People who use an electrolarynx may want to explain this on the phone, as the sound of their speech can be distorted by the telephone, and people tend to be more patient and understanding when the use of an electrolarynx is mentioned at the beginning of a phone call.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon1004504

I developed a new, better speech technology, but I'm not sure how to get it out there to help people as I can't afford lawyers or patents.

So I'll post a basic description here. The mouth modulates sound within it's cavity that sound doesn't necessarily have to be audible for instance ultrasound you then process the ping and upscale it on a device like a cellphone you could even pick a vocal style or build your own off of community samples, making a natural normal sounding voice.

anon77364

I have a cousin who cannot produce any sound when he wants to speak. Can the electrolarynx be of any help?

anon35202

The electrolarynx is worth a shot for a person with ALS. In the past, I have had a good amount of success using an intra-oral vibratory source (for example, the Cooper-Rand) to provide the sound source while the individual mouths words.-SLP

conniell

Is an electrolarynx good for a person with lou gehrig's disease? She is trying to speak, but no sound is coming out. Will this work for her?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Patients who have had their larynx removed may use an electrolarynx to speak.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      Patients who have had their larynx removed may use an electrolarynx to speak.
    • A cordectomy as a result of laryngeal cancer may necessitate the use of an electrolarynx.
      By: Max Tactic
      A cordectomy as a result of laryngeal cancer may necessitate the use of an electrolarynx.