2021 Volume 42 Issue 1 Pages 72-77
Tracheostomy affects swallowing and increases the risk of aspiration. We attempted to prevent aspiration using the speech valve for tracheostomy patients with severe physical and mental disorders. Here, we report the results on changes in swallowing before and after using the speech valve.
The study subjects were four patients who had tracheostomy and underwent repeated aspiration pneumonia. Laryngoscopy was performed before and after the attachment of the speech valve. Laryngeal clearance, laryngeal elevation, and aspiration were reported. The revised water bottle test was performed and the occurrence of aspiration pneumonia was investigated.
The laryngeal clearance before fitting the speech valve showed low values in all subjects, and occurrence of aspiration pneumonia was reported. After wearing the speech valve, the laryngeal clearance and modified water bottle test results were improved, and no aspiration pneumonia was reported. Installation of the speech valve prevented aspiration pneumonia.
