SPEECH AID

Abstract: Speech aid apparatus (10) comprising a tubular body (12) with an opening (16) at one end around which is provided an annular shaped member (18) of a resilient plastics material intended to be placed over a person's stoma. The other end of the body (12) has an outlet in the form of a tapering nozzle (24) intended to direct air passing through the apparatus from the person's stoma into the person's mouth to permit the person to speak by moving their lips and tongue in a normal manner.

Description: Speec h Ai d This invention concerns improvements in or relating to speech aids . When a person speaks, the larynx partly closes to form a jet of air which enters the mouth and is shaped into words using the tongue and lips. With some medical conditions such as throat cancer it is necessary for an opening in the persons air passage to be formed, normally at the front and base of the neck, through which the person breathes. Such an opening is often referred to as a 'stoma' and when this term is used hereinafter it is to be understood as having such a meaning. With conditions such as throat cancer the larynx is in fact often removed. In a person where it has been necessary to provide a stoma natural speech is lost in that no jet of air can be directed up the air passage into the mouth as described above. Further, as the air being breathed in bypasses the nose and mouth the person's sense of smell is lost making life hazardous in the event of escaping gas or toxic fumes etc. People with stomas presently have two ways of making speech. The first is oesophageal speech in which swallowed air is brought up the alimentary canal from the oesophagus by the pharynx and passed into the mouth, with words being formed by the lips and tongue. This type of speech is a technique which requires learning and many patients find it difficult to master. Further it can be quite tiring and may upset the person's digestive system. The second method is to use a device often referred to as an 'electro-larynx' which is held by a person against their neck and detects movement of the neck muscles and converts this into simulated speech. These devices are relatively expensive, presently costing in the order of £500, and produce a harsh electronic type voice which is often not liked by the patient. According to the present invention there is provided speech aid apparatus comprising means for directing a jet of air into a person's mouth from externally of the person. The apparatus is preferably engageable with the person's stoma such that the air in the jet is supplied from the stoma. The inlet of the apparatus receiving air from the stoma is preferably of greater diameter than the outlet through which the jet of air passes. The outlet preferably tapers towards the free end t hereo f . A resilient annular member may be provided around the outlet to form a substantial seal around the stoma. The annular member is desirably made of a foamed plastics material . The apparatus preferably includes a tubular member which may have a first portion defining the inlet at one end, and connecting at the other end to a second portion inclined thereto, which mounts towards its free end a tapering nozzle defining the outlet. Alternatively the apparatus includes a tubular mem¬ ber which curves betwen the inlet and the outlet. The apparatus may include a microphone, thereby permitting amplification of the person's speech, and the microphone may be located adjacent the nozzle. In an alternative embodiment a source of air is provided within the apparatus. The source of air may comprise a container of compressed air which may be replaceable when empty. A hand operable valve is preferably provided for selectively releasing air from the container into the apparatus to provide a jet of air. Alternatively the apparatus may comprise a refillable compressed air reservoir. Silencer means may be provided to deaden the sound of air issuing from the container or reservoir. Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the apparatus of fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of modified apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of a further embodiment of the apparatus; and Fig. 5 is a partially cut away side view of the apparatus of fig. 4. Figs. 1 and 2 show a speech aid apparatus 10 comprising a body 12 formed from square section tube. The body 12 comprises a first portion 14 one end of which is provided with an opening 16 around which is provided an annular shape member 18 of a resilient plastics material. The other end of the portion 14 connects with a second portion 20 inclined thereto. The free end 22 of the portion 20 is closed and a tapering nozzle 24 extends from the side of the portion 20 facing towards the member 18 adjacent the end 22 and communicates internally with the portion 20. In use, a person inhales and places the annular member 18 firmly around the stoma whilst positioning the jet 24 approximately 2scm away from the mouth and pointing theretowards. The person then exhales and a jet of air issues from the nozzle 24 into the mouth and the person can speak by moving their lips and tongue in a normal manner. To further inhale the apparatus is held loosely around the stoma to permit air to pass the annular member 18. The resilience of the member 18 permits the apparatus to be held at a correct angle and a seal to be formed around the stoma. The apparatus described is relatively easy to use as the lips and tongue are moved in a normal manner and therefore requires very little practice. The apparatus requires no external power and is of relatively simple construction and thus can be inexpensively manufactured. The speech produced sounds quite natural, akin to a loud whisper, and is individual to the person using the device. The apparatus may normally be used on a telephone without external amplification. No maintenance other than cleaning is required. The apparatus is relatively compact and can be made relatively light weight to permit easy carriage and storage. As noted above a problem with persons having a stoma is that they lose their sense of smell. With this apparatus a person can inhale air into the mouth from the stoma by placing their lips around the nozzle 24 thus providing air into the nose which can be smelt. This also has the advantage that it permits a person to blow their nose. Fig. 3 shows a similar apparatus 30 which has a microphone mounted in a closed off extended end part 32 of the portion 20. A number of slots 34 are provided in the portion 32 to permit sound to enter therein to reach the microphone 36 which connects with a standard jack socket 38. The microphone 36 may be connected to an amplifier or telephone equipment when necessary. Alternatively the microphone 36 may be connected to a hearing aid when the user has hearing difficulties, which is particularly common in older patients. Figs. 4 and 5 show a speech aid apparatus 50 usable independently of the stoma. The apparatus 50 comprises a cylindrical body 52 one end of which tapers inwardly around a central opening 54. A compartment 56 is provided extending for a considerable length of the body 52 from the other end, and a screw closure 58 is provided at the free end of the compartment. A cylinder of compressed air 60 is removably located in the compartment 56 and connects at its end remote from the closure 58 to a pipe 62 leading to a valve 64. The valve 64 is spring biassed into a closed position and is operable by a control button 66 extending externally of the body 52. When the valve 64 is open it connects the pipe 62 to a further pipe 68 which connects with a silencer 70 to deaden the sound of air escaping from the cylinder 60. The silencer 70 is located within a further compartment 72 of a size such that air may pass around the silencer 70, the compartment connecting with the opening 54. A mesh cover 74 is provided around the end of the apparatus 50 which has the opening 54, to give the apparatus the appearance of a microphone. In use, the apparatus 50 is positioned with the opening 54 pointing into a person's mouth and is actuated by operation of the button 66 in a similar manner to the apparatus 10 described above. Obviously the air cylinder 60 can be replaced when spent. This apparatus is of particular use when the stoma cannot be used such as shortly after a person's larynx has been removed when the stoma may include stiches and be very tender. A person may of course prefer to use this apparatus at all times rather than the above described apparatus. Various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example the apparatus may be differently shaped and may be curved between the inlet and the outlet. The apparatus with its own air supply may be refillable from an external source of compressed air rather than use cylinders. Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed t hereon.

Claims: C L A I MS 1. Speech aid apparatus characterised in that it comprises means for directing a jet of air into a person's mouth from externally of the person. 2. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterised in that the apparatus is engageable with the person's stoma such that the air in the jet is supplied from the stoma. 3. Apparatus according to Claim 2, characterised in that the inlet of the apparatus receiving air from the stoma is of greater diameter than the outlet through which the jet of air passes. 4. Apparatus according to Claims 2 or 3, charact¬ erised in that the outlet of the apparatus tapers towards the free end thereof. 5. Apparatus according to Claim 4, characterised in that the apparatus includes a tubular member which has a first portion defining the inlet at one end, and connecting at the other end to a second portion inclined, thereto, which mounts towards its free end a tapering nozzle defining the outlet. 6. Apparatus according to any of Claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the apparatus includes a tubular member which curves between the inlet and the outlet. 7. Apparatus according to any of Claims 2 to 6, characterised in that a resilient annular member is provided around the outlet to form a substantial seal around the stoma. 8. Apparatus according to Claim 7, characterised in that the annular member is made of a foamed plastics material. 9. Apparatus according to Claim 1, characterised in that a source of air is provided within the apparatus. 10. Apparatus according to Claim 9, characterised in that the source of air comprises a container of compressed air. 11. Apparatus according to Claim 10, characterised in that the compressed air container is replaceable. 12. Apparatus according to Claim 9, characterised in that the apparatus comprises a refillable compressed air reservoir 13. Apparatus according to any of Claims 10 to 12, characterised in that a hand operable valve is provided for selectively releasing air from the container or reservoir into the apparatus to provide a jet of air. 14. Apparatus according to any of Claims 10 to 13, charac erised in that silencer means are provided to deaden the sound of air issuing from the container or reservoir .

Inventors: IKIN GRAHAM JOHN, IKIN, GRAHAM, JOHN
Applicants: SPEECH AID LIMITED, SPEECH-AID LIMITED
Application year: 1991
Main classification: A61F2
IPC codes: A61F2