New Artificial Larynx

Rikeyah McKinnon

December 14,2009

New Artificial Larynx

Introduction: An amazing, truly wonderful, medical break through has been discovered. The device is known as an artificial larynx but is also known as the palatometer. The palatometer helps make speaking easier and clearer for those who have problems with their larynx. The palatometer does not make you sound like a robot like all those other artificial larynx do but it gives you a more lifelike voice. This device is made to fit in the users mouth much like a mouthpiece. The palatometer requires no surgery and is very easy to use. The palatometer tracks the contact between the tongue and palate using 118 embedded touch sensors to determine which word is being mouthed. The wearer can ultimately begin to talk and have a their words been heard much like it was before any problems happened to their larynx. Within the next couple of years, South African researchers will begin experimenting this awesome discovery some more on humans. About 10,000 Americans are diagnosed with laryngeal cancer each year, according to the National Cancer Institute. Just imagine what kind of difference this will make in their everyday lives.

Procedures: The palatometer is the result of decades of work in the field. The earliest test proved that you can use a speech synthesizer to actually generate sounds. There is a software for this device that was written by researchers at the University of the Witwatersrand. This system is really a true miracle it can recognize up to 50 English words all ready at the earlier stages of development . A microprocessor input/output device worn around the user's neck or placed on the desktop connects the palatometer to a personal computer, and software produces real-time, onscreen visual feedback that shows those with speech impediments how to reposition their tongues. The speaking ability for the patient will improve miraculously because of this amazing way it works. The patient puts the...