The electrolarynx is a hand held device that mimics the vibrations of the vocal cords and when held against the neck allows the person to produce sounds and ultimately speech. The tracheoesophageal puncture procedure is reviewed as a possible means of communication following surgery. Speech therapy is initiated several days after surgery. Further education is provided regarding care of the stoma and in the overall changes in body function, such as, smelling, tasting, swallowing, and airway protection. A TEP can be done at the time of the cancer surgery or several months after surgery.
Patient candidacy is determined by the doctor and speech pathologist.
Once the puncture site is healed, the speech pathologist fits the appropriate size prosthetic device, works with the patient to achieve good voicing, and trains the patient to take care of the device. Closed Head Injury Communication skills often change after a person suffers a closed head injury. Common difficulties that can occur include slurred speech, difficulty formulating thoughts or thinking of specific words, impulsivity, difficulty attending or concentrating, poor memory, and difficulty making safe and appropriate judgement calls. Therapy schedules are varied, according to individual needs. The goals of therapy are always geared towards functional activities, and family members are always included to encourage use of newly learned skills into everyday situations.