6. Assistive Tool Design for Speech Production Disorders

In this chapter, the author discusses an artificial electro-larynx that can produce intonation and fluctuation of the larynx voice for speech disorders, especially for laryngectomees. In the design of the artificial larynx, he emphasizes that many hints were taken from the vocalization mechanism of a talking bird, the mynah. The author also introduces a voice synthesizer called “Let’s talk by a finger” for people with articulation disorders that make it hard to control their voice organs because of neuromuscular disease or speech apraxia. The synthesizer, which can produce any speech sound just by touching and stroking the touchpad of a mobile phone, was modeled after the vocalization mechanism of a ventriloquist who can produce any speech sound without moving his lips. Furthermore, evaluation methods are indicated for aids and treatment of speech organ disorders caused by a cleft palate and a reversed occlusion.