ABSTRACT
Phonation is consequently impossible, but the power of articulation is preserved. As the air can no longer be expelled through the mouth for the production of sounds, the patient lapses back on the earliest stage of speech evolution, viz. that of sucking; the air is drawn into the mouth, thus giving rise to clicks. Though the idea of applying an artificial larynx in cases of laryngectomy or atresia of the larynx might not be inapt, there are serious reasons for deciding against its application. The first reason is one of health. Secondly, the patient using the artificial larynx for phonation is highly dependent on it. Since in laryngectomised patients the respiratory. apparatus is disconnected from the upper respiratory and digestive organs, i.e. mouth and throat, the lower parts of the digestive apparatus are utilised for voice production.
