Computational Analysis of PROSTHETIC Voice-Producing Elements

Authors

Britton Olson, Brigham Young University
Dr. Scott L. Thomson, Brigham Young University

Keywords

voice disorders, voice-producing element, VPE

College

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

Many voice disorders impede normal speech production. In severe cases such as laryngeal carcinoma, the total laryngectomy procedure is required, resulting in the loss of the natural ability to produce sound for speech. In this case synthetic forms of speech are employed. One method of synthetic speech that has demonstrated potential is a “voice-producing element” (VPE) . Recent VPE designs consist of two latex membranes within a cylindrical housing that is placed in the tracheoesophageal wall in a “double-reed” configuration. Air flowing from the lungs between the membranes results in regular, large-amplitude, self-sustained vibrations. The membranes are loaded on the “non-flow” side with lead-alloy weights to reduce vibration frequency as illustrated in Fig. 1

Recommended Citation

Olson, Britton and Thomson, Dr. Scott L. (2013) "Computational Analysis of PROSTHETIC Voice-Producing Elements," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013: Iss. 1, Article 1959.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1959