What is Provox?

Provox is a voice prosthesis used by individuals who have undergone a laryngectomy (removal of the larynx). It's a small, one-way valve surgically implanted between the trachea (windpipe) and the esophagus (food pipe). This allows air to pass from the lungs, through the prosthesis, and into the throat, enabling the person to speak by vibrating the pharyngoesophageal segment (PES) in the throat. Users typically occlude the stoma (opening in the neck) with a finger or thumb to direct air through the prosthesis when speaking.