Development of a hands-free electrolarynx for persons whose larynx have been removed

An electrolarynx is a useful speech-substitute device for patients who have lost laryngeal function. Unfortunately, the voices produced by a conventional electrolarynx are completely flat, unlike a human voice. For that reason, we developed a pitch-controlled electrolarynx that allows patients to control a voice intonation using their exhalation [N. Uemi and T. Ifukube, ‘‘Design of a new electrolarynx having a pitch control function,’’ IEEE RO-MAN’94, 198–203 (1994)]. This pitch-controlled electrolarynx has been manufactured and more than 3000 patients have used the device since 1998. However, many patients have strongly requested that we design a hands-free electrolarynx so that they can perform daily life functions and work in their office without their hands occupied by the electrolarynx control during use. In response to that request, we designed some models of a hands-free electrolarynx that is attachable to the patient’s neck. Furthermore, by comparing the models based on evaluation tests regarding its sound quality and usability, a thermo-plastic brace was found to be the best for attachment to the neck. Although our hands-free electrolarynx has not yet been equipped with the pitch-control function, it was ascertained that it is useful for taking notes while talking on the phone, and so on.