Ultravoice

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UltraVoice is a recently invented (1990) speaking device for laryngectomees, people who have had their larynx removed because it was cancerous or other medical reasons. A miniature battery powered radio is placed in the mouth of the patient who holds a radio transmitter in their hand. Under their control the transmitter sends the basic voice sound into their mouth which they form into speech by moving their tongue, lips and jaw the same way they would had they not undergone surgery.

Recent improvements to the UltraVoice include: 1. the use of a computer to insert prosody or change the pitch of the speech; 2. a small amplifier to make the speech louder; 3. a whisper mode for speech that sounds soft like a whisper.