Abstract: An intra-oral artificial larynx includes a signal generator encapsulated within a custom-molded prosthetic means for mounting the larynx within the intra-oral cavity, as well as a speaker and tongue activatable switch for enabling the signal generator and the speaker. A compartment is molded in the custom-molded prosthetic means for receiving a power source, the power source being mounted on a carrier removably mounted in the compartment for powering the signal generator and speaker. The power source carrier is slidably received within the compartment and includes a means for isolating the compartment from saliva in the intra-oral cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a completely self-contained intraoral larynx comprising a power source, tongue activated controls, power saving signal generation circuitry, acoustic and audio amplifiers, and an intra-oral speaker. These components are contained within an otherwise conventional denture or dental prosthesis. The device produces a high amplitude sound while minimizing current drain from the power source. Laryngectomized patients require only short term training by a speech pathologist to use this device. Intelligible speech is usual within an hour of such training, and facility rapidly improves. The psychological barriers, post-operative physical limitations, aesthetic concerns and limited gestural communication traditionally associated with the use of extra-oral larynges is eliminated by the present invention.

Abstract: An intra-oral artificial larynx is provided including a signal generator and a speaker mounted on a prosthesis for mounting the larynx within the intra-oral cavity. A horn is provided having an input opening coupled to the speaker for acoustically amplifying the output of the speaker, the horn also having an output opening. A saliva barrier is removably mounted to the output opening of the horn for precluding penetration of saliva into the horn, the barrier having a first end which is telescopically received within the output opening of the horn and the second end having a mouth formed on a bias to the longitudinal axis of the mounting and a microporous membrane sealing the mouth. The mouth of the mounting has an elliptical shape which has been found to increase speaker volume. Moreover, the telescopic mating of the mounting and the horn provides a saliva barrier which is easily replaceable by the user.

Abstract: A pneumatic speech simulator has a vibratory tone-generating element which produces an audible tone in response to the flow of pressurized air within a predetermined pressure range, said tone being transmitted to a patient's pharyngeal region by a conduit, such as a nasal catheter. The simulator includes a pressure compensation valve, upstream from the tone-generating element, which maintains the pressure experienced by the tone-generating element within its operating range as the pneumatic resistance of tone-transmitting conduit is increased due to partial or total blockage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a completely self-contained intraoral larynx comprising a power source, tongue activated controls, power saving signal generation circuitry, acoustic and audio amplifiers, and an intra-oral speaker. These components are contained within an otherwise conventional denture or dental prosthesis. The device produces a high amplitude sound while minimizing current drain from the power source. Laryngectomized patients require only short term training by a speech pathologist to use this device. Intelligible speech is usual within an hour of such training, and facility rapidly improves. The psychological barriers, post-operative physical limitations, aesthetic concerns and limited gestural communication traditionally associated with the use of extra-oral larynges is eliminated by the present invention.