Most people find it frustrating.
This is what happens to many individuals who depend on mechanical ventilators to breathe and speak. Often, the ventilator allows for only a few words to be uttered before a long obligatory pause must be endured while the speaker waits for the next breath to be delivered. Short phrases and long pauses make interruptions a common occurrence for individuals who use mechanical ventilators. Because of this, even the simple act of conversation can pose a difficult challenge. Thanks to the research of Jeannette Hoit, CoS associate professor of speech and hearing sciences, and her colleagues the power of effective speech is being returned to people who use mechanical ventilators.