The electrolarynx is the most widely used device for speaking without vocal cords. However, its use is not very elegant, therefore I built a prototype of an electronic larynx. It's a miniature speaker, invisibly hidden in the mouth. Because the electronic larynx could improve the life of laryngectomy patients, it need to be further developed. I am looking for a university that could take this up. I have no commercial interests. A prototype is available.

The electronic larynx contains a speaker, Bluetooth electronics and a battery. As a result, there are many ways to improve it. The prototype produces only a basic sound, like an electrolarynx. Control is done wirelessly by a smartphone. The device works 30 minutes on a battery, when using more devices, one can quickly exchange in case of an empty battery.

There was a patent on an identical device granted in 1994, which has now expired: https://www.google.com/patents/US5326349. However, this patent has not been exploited. The patent describes the operation of the electronic larynx in detail.

Future improvements

• The voice of the patient before the laryngectomy can be recorded so that the voice is retained.
• The intonation and volume can be checked inconspicuously.
• Dimensions are 28 x 21 x 10mm and may be smaller.
• The acoustics in the oral cavity can be measured and serve as input for computer controlled voice control.