Speech assistance devices controlled by neck myoelectric signal

We aimed to construct an ideal speech production substitute for patients with phonation disorder and developed an artificial larynx using a piezoceramic sounder as the sound source. In our previous research, we investigated the control method using the electromyographic (EMG) signal of the human neck muscle and developed a control system using the EMG signal of the sternohyoideus muscle for an artificial larynx and a speech valve. In this report, we miniaturize the control unit to a portable size by using a single-chip microcomputer and a battery. Furthermore, we produced and evaluated this new type of speech valve system with the control unit.