esophageal speech

Esophageal speech is a method of speaking used by people who have had their voice box (larynx) removed, often due to cancer. It involves trapping and releasing air from the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat to the stomach. When the air is forcefully pushed into the esophagus and then released, it vibrates the tissues, creating sound. This sound is then shaped by the mouth and tongue into words, allowing the person to speak without a voice box or artificial device. It's a natural and skillful way to communicate after certain surgeries.