New voice, new hope: Life-changing devices available for local laryngectomy patients 

Pillar 4 Equipment  

A powerful little device is giving a voice back to those who’ve lost theirs. The electrolarynx, a small handheld tool, helps people speak after a laryngectomy—a surgery to remove the voice box, often due to cancer. Senior Speech Pathologist Emma Quirk explains “The larynx is important for making voice, so when it’s removed, people need new ways to communicate. One option is using an electrolarynx, and a speech pathologist helps train people to use it well.” 

By creating vibrations that travel through the neck or face and into the mouth, the electrolarynx allows users to shape words using their tongue and lips. While the sound can be robotic at first, with guidance from a speech pathologist, many people can speak clearly and be understood by others. 

Thanks to community donations made to the Trust Fund, 2 new devices were purchased in late 2024 and already making a major impact for those who need help communicating. Emma tells us” The electrolarynx can also be a great tool during the healing period after surgery, when other methods might not be possible yet.” 

 Whether someone needs a temporary solution during recovery or a backup to other methods, the electrolarynx ensures no one is left without a way to communicate. 

 

Photo: Stephanie Evans (black and white top) and Emma Quirk (coloured top), AWH Senior Speech Pathologist ‘s pictured using one of the electrolarynx’s.