Advanced Electrolarynx: A Biomechatronic Device For Voice Rehabilitation Of Laryngectomecs

Abstract: ABSTRACT: Electrolarynx is an electronic speech aid device that enables the laryngectomee to regain vocal communicability after laryngectomy. It is a vibrating device placed on the neck, which injects waves of vibration through pharynx or neck tissue or oral cavity into the vocal tract. The generated sound is articulated into speech using mouth, teeth, tongue and lips. The device can control both frequency and intensity simultaneously during a conversation. It is integrated with a voice amplifier, supplemented with a microphone; that is a two-stage amplifier with output to a speaker. The interface is indigenously developed with a smartphone as controller that also allows wireless control. Its functionality is further enhanced with a voice recording application that assists the speech therapist to evaluate the patient"s recovery. Also a hands-free model has been devised to make it user-friendly and more effective. These additional advancements are availed economically to cost the device within affordable price. There are further enhancements ideated and planned for the device to improve the user experience leveraging latest technological advancements. The voice output can be improved to sound more humanistic than the current mechanical or robotic. voice using speech signal processing and Machine Learning techniques integrated in a smartphone application. Another alternative to the users is to have an assistive application that can sense and translate their lip movements to corresponding words. The applications will be made accessible in Android, iOS and Windows platforms.

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