Training software for esophageal speech developed on game-based PC

Abstract

Almost all people who get laryngeal cancer are treated by laryngectomy. However, this treatment affects their voice since the larynx will be removed. This research presents a technique which can recover their voice to communicate with others again. The technique is esophageal speech; this technique does not require any additional device but it needs only a continuously training from speech therapist. In additional, the training software for esophageal speech is designed and developed based on three speech characteristics which are tempo, loudness and duration of speech. For more attractive, we developed into computer game-based. The experiment is divided by two groups of users; normal speakers and esophageal speakers. The results of experiments are evaluated by using Mean Opinion Score, and the score are 4 from esophageal speakers and 3.7 from normal speakers.