A novel, ward-assembled tracheostomy speaking valve: Innovation in a resource-deficient environment

Tracheostomy speaking valves play a crucial role in facilitating effective communication in post-operative head and neck cases. Other benefits are improved respiratory and swallowing functions in individuals with tracheostomies. It serves as an intermediary step in the decannulation process, ensuring there is a patent airway prior to decannulation. In island and resource-deficient countries, access to manufactured speaking valves may be difficult due to supply chain issues or simply unaffordable to people. Alternative, cheaper and/or innovative methods of providing a speaking-type prosthesis are needed. This paper presents the design, construction, and evaluation of a novel tracheostomy speaking valve aimed at improving speech intelligibility and respiratory efficiency and facilitating better swallowing, while ensuring patient comfort and safety.