1. The Artificial Larynx An individual who has had a laryngectomy is a likely candidate for an artificial larynx, also called an electrolarynx.

2. What is a laryngectomy? Laryngectomy: Surgery to remove part or all of the larynx is a partial or total laryngectomy. In either operation, the surgeon performs a tracheostomy, creating an opening called a stoma in the front of the neck (may be temporary or permanent). Air enters and leaves the trachea and lungs through this opening. A tracheostomy tube, also called a trache tube, keeps the new airway open.

3. Partial laryngectomy A partial laryngectomy preserves the voice. The surgeon removes only part of the voice box, just one vocal cord, part of a cord, or just the epiglottis, and the stoma is temporary. After a brief recovery period , the trache tube is removed, and the stoma closes up. The patient can then breathe and talk in the usual way. In some cases, however, the voice may be hoarse or weak.

4. Total laryngectomy In a total laryngectomy, the whole voice box is removed, and the stoma is permanent. The patient called a laryngectomee, breathes through the stoma. A laryngectomee must learn to talk in a new way.

5. Electrolarynx There are several such devices on the market-of basically two types. They are all battery powered, but with one type of unit, you place it against your throat, push a button, and the machine transmits a vibration noise to your throat which you then form into words and sounds with your lips, teeth, and tongue. With the second type, the vibration sound is transmitted directly into your mouth via a small tube- words and sounds are made in a similar manner.