Voice prosthesis is a medical device that helps people who have lost their vocal cords to speak again. The word "prosthesis" is spelled with the phonetic transcription /prɑːˈθiːsɪs/ which is pronounced as "proth-ee-sis". Similarly, "voice" is spelled with the phonetic transcription /vɔɪs/ which is pronounced as "vois". Therefore, the complete spelling of "voice prosthesis" is /vɔɪs/ /prɑːˈθiːsɪs/ which can be pronounced as "vois-proth-ee-sis". This device is a life-changing solution for people with laryngectomy or any other condition that affects their vocal cords.
A voice prosthesis refers to a medical device designed to restore voice production for individuals who have lost their natural voice due to surgical removal of the larynx or vocal cords. It is a small, tubular device that is surgically implanted into a surgically created passage between the trachea and esophagus, known as a tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) or a fistula.
The primary function of a voice prosthesis is to facilitate speech by allowing air from the lungs to flow through the esophagus, which then vibrates vocal folds creating sound. This device helps create an artificial sound source within the body, enabling individuals to produce speech sounds and communicate effectively.
Voice prostheses are usually made from silicone or other biocompatible materials that are safe for implantation. They come in various shapes, sizes, and designs to cater to individual needs. Some types of voice prostheses are one-way valves that allow the air to flow from the trachea to the esophagus during speech production, while preventing the entry of food or liquid into the trachea during swallowing. Other voice prostheses are self-retaining, meaning they stay in place without the need for adhesive or other securing mechanisms.
Regular maintenance and care are essential to ensure the longevity and proper functioning of a voice prosthesis. Periodic cleaning and replacement are often required, and individuals may need to work closely with healthcare professionals for ongoing management and adjustments. The use of a voice prosthesis significantly enhances communication, quality of life, and social interaction for individuals who have undergone laryngectomy or other surgical procedures affecting their natural voice production.
The word "voice" originated from the Old French word "vois" and the Latin word "vox", both meaning "voice" or "sound". The term "prosthesis" comes from the Greek word "prosthesis", which means "addition" or "attachment". Therefore, the etymology of "voice prosthesis" can be understood as the combination of "voice", referring to vocalization or sound production, and "prosthesis", referring to an artificial device or attachment used to replace or aid a bodily function. In this case, a voice prosthesis refers to an artificial device implanted or attached to enable or restore voice function in individuals who have undergone laryngectomy (removal of the larynx) or who have vocal cord dysfunction.