Functional Characteristics of a New Electrolarynx “Evada” Having a Force Sensing Resistor Sensor

Abstract

Electrolarynxes have been used as one of the rehabilitation methods for laryngectomees. Earlier electrolarynxes could not alter frequency and intensity simultaneously during conversation. Recently, we developed an electrolarynx named “Evada” (prototype so far) using a force sensing resistor (FSR) sensor that can control both frequency and intensity simultaneously during conversation. Employing three types of electrolarynxes (Evada, Servox-inton, Nu-vois), this study was undertaken to examine the functional characteristics of Evada for the normal control group and for laryngectomess. Five laryngectomees and five normal adults were asked to express three sentences (declarative sentence, “You stay here.”, interrogative sentence, “You stay here?”, and imperative sentence, “You! Stay here.”) using three types of electrolarynxes. Frequency and intensity changes between the first and last vowels in the three sentences were calculated and analyzed statistically by paired t test. The frequency changes in the interrogative and imperative sentences were more prominent in Evada than in Servox-inton and Nu-vois. The intensity changes in the interrogative and imperative sentences were also more prominent in Evada than in Servox-inton and Nu-vois. Evada controls frequency and/or intensity by having the subject press the control button(s). Therefore, Evada appears to be better at producing intonation and contrastive stress than Nu-vois and Servox-inton.