The larynx (voice box), is the organ in the throat
responsible for voice production and for preventing food from
entering the airway during swallowing. It lies between the
pharynx (upper part of the airway) and the trachea (windpipe),
forming part of the tube in the throat that carries air to and
from the lungs. One function is to prevent choking. When a person
is not eating or drinking, the epiglottis stays upright, keeping
the larynx open as part of the airway to the lungs. As soon as
swallowing begins the epiglottis drops like a lid of the larynx,
directing food over to the esophagus (food pipe). A second
function of the larynx is voice production. Air from the lungs
passes over the vocal cords resulting in vibrations which are
modified by the tongue, palate, and lips to produce speech. 
When the larynx is removed (laryngectomy),
the top of the trachea immediately below the larynx is attached
to a permanent opening (stoma) made in the throat. The patient
will then breathe through the stoma. 
With persistence, the laryngectomee can
learn from a speech therapist new ways of speaking, either by
esophageal speech where air is injected, then expelled in a
controlled way to form voice, or by using a speaking aid device
known as an electro-larynx. This device emits a vibrating noise
and is hand-held against the throat. By mouthing words, the
laryngectomee converts the vibrations to speech. 
Today,
advances in medical technology enable speech production by mens
of a voice prosthesis. By creating a small surgical passage (TEP,
or Tracheoesophageal Puncture), inside the stoma, from the back
wall of the trachea into the esophageal wall, a small one-inched
valved tube (voice prothesis) can be placed into this passage to
enable tracheoesophageal speech. Voice is produced by blocking
the stoma, either with a finger or an adjustable tracheostoma
valve, so that exhaled air from the lungs can be directed from
the trachea through the prosthesis into the esophagus (where
vibrations are produced) and then out through the mouth. Fluent,
conversational speech is usually acquired within a few days.
Blom-Singer voice prostheses have set the standard in
postlaryngectomy voice restoration since 1979.
Dr Blom continues to introduce innovative procedures and
medical devices allowing thousands of patients worldwide to
regain their ability to speak. Top | Head and Neck Surgery | Throat Cancer | Dr. Blom | Dr Hamaker | Dr Freeman