Tracheostoma valves
In order to talk with a voice prosthesis, the tracheostoma has to be closed so the air is diverted via the PE segment into the mouth. A finger is usually used to close the tracheostoma. If, for instance, a laryngectomee needs to use both hands for something but also wants to talk, or if he wishes to avoid the noticeable handling of the tracheostoma when in the company of others, an automatic tracheostoma valve can be inserted. A tracheostoma valve for laryngectomees enables the patient to breathe in and out, and closes the tracheostoma when he deliberately exhales harder to speak. The force of the breath required to close the valve can be set individually on the tracheostoma valve. Furthermore, a tracheostoma valve for laryngectomees must be fitted with a cough valve that, in the event of the patient having to cough, opens before dangerously high pressure is created in the respiratory tract. All the usual tracheostoma valves can be combined with an HME.
WARNING: There are major technical and functional differences between the speaking valves for tracheostomy patients and the tracheostoma valves for laryngectomees, and they must not be used for laryngectomees.
Typical features of the standard tracheostoma valves for laryngectomees: