By now you have most certainly come across the term HME. But you may not be entirely sure what it is. Firstly, HME stands for Heat and Moisture Exchanger and this is exactly how it operates. Since you no longer have the humidifying and filtering functions of your nose, an HME can be considered your … Read more
Background As an experienced Head and Neck Nurse, I am passionate about empowering people to achieve their maximum potential. I have worked in various roles in the health sector for over 34 years. In 2013, I had a total laryngectomy. After a couple of years away from work to recover, I have since devoted my … Read more
I had my laryngectomy exactly 8 years ago from when I started to write this piece of information. I hope the content will help you understand how your voice will be created and heard after you have had your surgery. So you may be wondering how a laryngectomy will affect your voice after surgery? Before … Read more
Is it possible to speak after a total laryngectomy? Usually, it is. There are three main options to speak after a total laryngectomy: Using tracheoesophageal (TE) speech, speaking with an electrolarynx, or using esophageal speech. We will explain these three alternatives here in this text. Voice is an important part of your identity. It is how you express … Read more
We produce our voice through vibration. As air is passed through the vocal cords, they vibrate and produce sound. As the air then continues up your airways, it shapes that sound into speech. So, after a total laryngectomy you will no longer have vocal cords and therefore will be unable to produce a voice through … Read more
At this stage, you may have had an introduction of how to use an HME at hospital. When leaving the hospital you will receive a coming home kit that will include a number of HMEs and attachments to help you grow accustomed to wearing an HME. Your stoma lead directly to your lungs, so it … Read more
You may be wondering how a laryngectomy will affect your breathing. The procedure redirects your windpipe to the hole in your neck so you will no longer be drawing air in through your mouth and nose as you always have. Instead, the air is inhaled and exhaled through your stoma. Your lungs will operate as … Read more
