Following the laryngectomy surgery, patients should meet with a speech pathologist to begin their speech rehabilitation. During the first part of the training, patients are encouraged to speak using the synthetic larynx. Then, they are introduced to breathing techniques, such as how to push air from the trachea into the esophagus via the TEP. The final part includes learning how to clean, take out, and reinsert the TEP prosthesis, as well as learning to speak with an almost normal voice.
Call Waco Ear, Nose & Throat at (254) 776-7744 for more information or to schedule an appointment.