A New Artificial Larynx: It Will Allow People to Talk Clearer Than Ever Before

Anti-smoking advocacy groups have been using powerful images and messages to help scare us away from smoking. Some of these images can be quite disturbing and leave a lasting impression on our minds. One image that has stuck with me is the image of a young man missing his larynx due to smoking. You felt bad for him and wish something could be done to better his life. Nothing is currently available to make this happen, but that could be changing thanks to some inventors. Some amazing people have managed to create new artificial larynx's that could make talking a possibility again.

You might be questioning how this is even possible. Luckily I was able to learn a bit about this new technology that could change people's lives. What you have is this complex system that utilized what is known as a palatometer. A palatometer is a device that has been used for speech therapy. The device helps track the tongue and teach you how to properly use it to form acceptable speech. A small cluster of one hundred pressure sensors then collect data. The data is then transferred over to a small synthesizer that can be found on the patient. Basically, words can now be formed because of this process.

The cool thing about this artificial synthesizer is that it can be used without someone having to have it surgically placed in. Also, the voice that is generated from the synthesizers allows the individual to have a more natural sounding voice and not the robotic one that we hear on television. Current tests with the device have produced amazing results. People who have used it have fallen in love with it and announced that it gives a new found hope to them.

However, with any great new invention, there is still a few kinks that need to be worked out. One issue that they have run into is the issue of accuracy. Most devices like this need to achieve a high level of accuracy as close to 100 percent. Currently, they have achieved an accuracy as high as 94.4 percent. This is because the library of recognizable words still needs to be dramatically increased. The scientists also would like to get rid of the wires connecting the devices and make it a purely wireless application. Luckily this will not take that much time to fix.

The introduction of an artificial larynx could brighten the lives of millions of cancer patients around the world. It appears that smoking has incredibly increased this problem and there appears to be no slowing down to people losing their ability to talk. This could help those who lose the ability and gain some freedom back to their lives.

My Sources:

Stuart Fox, www.popsci.com, 2010.