A speech therapist will help the patient in speech rehabilitation following a laryngectomy. The different ways of communication after the removal of the larynx include:
Nonverbal communication: This form of communication includes facial expressions, gestures, mouthing words without using voice, and picture boards.
Esophageal speech: A person uses air from the mouth and traps it in the upper esophagus and throat. The controlled air release helps in producing vibrations and speech can be obtained using the tongue, lips, and mouth.
Electrolarynx: This type of speech can be used 3 to 5 days after the procedure. A device is placed against the neck, or an adapter is used for the mouth. This helps in enhancing the speech on talking. The voice produced sounds robotic, but it is easy to learn as well as use.
TEP speech: A one-way valve is inserted through the TEP to allow the air from the trachea to enter the esophagus, without the entry of food and liquids consumed. These devices are often attached to a voice prosthesis that sits over the stroma and helps one in speaking. Training is provided to the patient after covering the hole from outside to direct the air from the lungs into the food pipe, such that the vibrations can be heard as speech.