Communication Tips for Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

People who have been treated for cancer of the mouth, tongue, or neck experience changes in very important activities. Speaking, breathing, swallowing, and eating can all be affected. Below is a list of challenges and possible solutions that may help you deal with these changes.

When Dealing with Changes in Your Ability to Talk

Have a pad of paper and pen handy in case your other method of speech fails or it is too noisy where you are.

If you're concerned that you can't yell or express your distress loudly, consider a 'personal-attack' alarm that's small but loud. You can also make use of a police whistle with an adaptor if you have a stoma. Or buy an aerosol air horn. Keep it in your pocket instead of in a hard-to-reach place like a purse or backpack.

When Dealing with the Telephone

If your voice is hard to understand, or the volume is low, there are a number of solutions to making audible phone calls or using the phone in general:

Find a phone that allows you to amplify your voice. You need a sensitive microphone that will help your voice be heard, but that is adjustable for other users of the phone.

You can send text messages. Both cell phones and newer landline phones have this potential, although it may cost a bit more than voice-only service. Of course, the recipient of your message needs to know how to use text messaging. If you choose this option, get a phone plan that gives you this feature at a reasonable price.

Rely on email more. There are devices that are for email only, instead of needing a full computer and Internet connection.

Try a Twitter account.

Keep your friends up to date with a blog or facepage.

Ask for a referral to an occupational therapist, who will have the resources to suggest appropriate devices for your situation.

If You have Had a Laryngectomy

If you have a stoma, carry a small mirror with you so you can check it. KY Jelly can help with changing your prosthesis since it makes insertion smoother and isn't toxic if it gets into your stoma.

Get emergency cards for your wallet and your car that tells bystanders and emergency personnel that you have no larynx and cannot communicate in the usual way. These are available at the International Association of Laryngectomees website.

Consider getting a personal amplifier. There are wireless amplifiers that can increase the volume of your voice. SoniVox and BoomVox are two choices.

If you can't learn esophageal speech, don't be hard on yourself about it. Research shows that one-third of people who have had their larynx removed can't learn this kind of speech. Sometimes it is because the surgery changed the structures of the throat that would support this. There are many kinds of "artificial speaker" aids, and they are worth exploring.

It is important for you to feel supported by your close family and friends, so inform them that the method of communication you've chosen is the best one for you.