Digital Speech Recovery from Articulator Movement (DiSArM). Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Would a digital system for speech rehabilitation in laryngectomy patients, using small magnet implants in the articulators, and external magnetic field detectors to follow the movements of the articulators, which uses a portable computer to reconstruct speech be effective and safe?
IRAS ID
66446
Contact name
Stephen R Ell
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Hull & East Yorkshire NHS Trust
Research summary
Some patients, who have had a laryngectomy, often for throat cancer, find current methods of speech rehabilitation unsatisfactory. The present gold standard is a valve inserted into a fistula created between the trachea and oesophagus, which allows diverted expired air to vibrate the oesophagus. These vibrations can be articulated into speech but the sound is masculine, gruff and unsuitable for women. Current valves last 3 months on average then have to be changed: an uncomfortable procedure, which is not always easy. Those unable to use a valve use an electrolarynx (Servox®) but the sound is electronic, obtrusive and, like valved speech, draws attention to the laryngectomy. There are few alternatives: belched (oesophageal) speech is difficult, gruff, interrupted, and can be embarrassing; the use of pen and paper, or equivalent, is cumbersome and frustrating.
Our research has developed a speech system using small magnets attached to the articulators, and external magnetic field detectors to follow the movements of the articulators. A portable computer can reconstruct speech from the changing magnetic fields. Laboratory trials have shown isolated words can be recognised with over 98% accuracy for a 57 word vocabulary. Technological development is underway to improve performance, ease of use and appearance, to make it suitable for everyday life. The aim is to produce a better, cost effective system of speech production, yet concealing the socially isolating underlying condition.
For the present study, magnets implanted into the articulators will enable the software monitoring their articulator movements to be refined for speech reconstruction. This study will assess the implants for safety and the effectiveness of the speech produced, compared with the speech of laryngectomy patients using current methods. The work will be done in Hull and Sheffield and the project is funded by the National Institute for Health Research: Invention for Innovation (i4i).
REC name
East of England - Cambridge East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EE/1036
Date of REC Opinion
3 Sep 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion