Voice Restoration for Laryngectomized Patients Using a Voice Conversion System: “Save the Voice” Project

Abstract

Laryngectomy still plays an important role in the treatment of head and neck cancer. However, laryngectomized patients experience several difficulties in their lives because of the loss of their original voice. To overcome this problem, we have started the “Save the Voice” project, in which the original voices of patients who planned to undergo laryngectomy were recorded and converted using a voice conversion system. A multicenter prospective observational study has been performed in Japan, and over 40 patients' original voices have been recorded. Also, we have developed recording and converting applications for laryngectomized patients to convert the electrolarynx voice to the original voice. Preoperative recording of the patient's original voice is essential to regenerate the voice after laryngectomy. Collaboration between clinicians and researchers will enable swift implementation of the technology in real-world settings.