경부형 전기인공후두 Blueton의 개발과 음향학적 성능 분석

Abstract

Electrolarynx(EL), battery operated vibrators which are held against the neck by on-off button, has been widely used as a verbal communication method among post-laryngectomized patients. EL speech can produce easily without need of any additional surgery or special training and be used with any other methods. This institute developed a neck-typed EL named "Blueton" in commperation with EL Company Linkus, which consists of 3 parts : Vibrator part, Control part, Battery part. In this study we evaluated the acoustic characteristics of the produced voices by Blueton compared with Servox-inton using MDVP. Three EL users (2 full time users, 1 part time user) were participated. The results revelaed that NHR higher in Servox than Blueton and intensity is higher in Blueton than Servox. The spectra for vowels produced by EL speakers are mixed signals combined with talkers' vocal output and electrolarynx noise. The spectra pattern is similar with two ELs. High, SPI index and vowel spectra from MDVP demonstrated characteristics of both electrolarynxes related to noise signal. This finding suggests that Blueton helps to provide one of useful rehabilitation options in the post laryngectomy patients.