<unk>  A<unk>  (plural<unk>  is an artificial device, usually made of silicone that is used in conjunction with<unk>  therapy to help laryngectomized patients to speak. During a total laryngectomy, the entire<unk>  box (larynx) is removed and the windpipe (trachea) and food pipe (esophagus) are separated from each other. During this operation an opening between the food pipe and the windpipe can be created (primary puncture). This opening can also be created at a later time (secondary puncture). This opening is called a tracheo-esophageal puncture (TE puncture). The<unk>  is placed in this opening. Then, it becomes possible to speak by occluding the stoma and blowing the air from the lungs through the inside of the<unk>  and through the throat, creating a<unk>  sound, which is called tracheo-esophageal speech. The back end of the<unk>  sits at the food pipe. To avoid food, drinks, or saliva from coming through the<unk>  and into the lungs, the<unk>  has a small flap at the back. There are two ways of inserting the<unk> : through the mouth and throat (retrograde manner) with the help of a guide wire, or directly through the tracheostoma (anterograde) manner. Nowadays, most<unk>  are placed anterograde, through the stoma.
Voice prosthesis
Facial prosthetic
Nose prosthesis
Voice therapy
Electronic glasses
Dental vibration appliance
Strabismus surgery
Palatal lift prosthesis