why can't people with tracheostomy talk?

Question

can you site the anatomical rationale for that? thanks..

Answer 1

Tracheostomy is a surgically created opening of the trachea(windpipe) through the skin from outside. Since, the tube is placed just below the level of the vocal cord and secured with a small balloon(the balloon also does not allow the air to escape) , the air from the lungs can not pass through the vocal cord in order to produce the voice. The air is normally bypasses the vocal cord and passes through the tracheostomy tube.(that`s what breathing occurs)
However, patients with tracheostomy with no advanced respiratory support will have a special tube inserted into the tracheostomy tube in order to aid speech. Even, patients with deflated balloon(cuff) can able to vocalise to some extend.
In clinical area, the balloon is initially is deflated and the patients are encouraged to vocalise while closing the tracheostomy tube with their fingers.
Hope, this helps.

Answer 2

Just because someone has a trach doesn't mean they don't have vocal cords. If they have them taken out they may have a trach, but not all tracheotomy patients are missing vocal cords.

A trach routes air from the lungs up through the trach tube and back again. This air usually goes up through the vocal cords (making sound when you talk) and out your mouth. The trach will bypass the cords. With out the air going up through the vocal cords, sound can't be made. See the link below, it is a diagram (side view) of a trach. Note the vocal cords and where they are in relation to the trach.

http://www.goshprivate.nhs.uk/factsheets/families/F000305/images/tracheostomy.gif

Now, one with a track can plug the end, if the trach has no cuff or balloon, and the air will then go up the trachea through the v cords and he/she can speak. OR there is a one way valve that will allow air in the trach but not out. This again will route outward air up through the v cords.

I hope this helps.

Answer 3

You ask two questions
The anatomical reason for it is that their vocal chords are (in most cases) taken away because of a malign proces, like cancer.Without a tracheostomy, they wouldn't be able to talk at all anymore. That's why it is made.
They can't talk because their vocal chords aren't there anymore. With a plug they learn to use the breath from the lungs, and the air in the stomach, to talk again. That goes with most people pretty well

Answer 4

There is a hole in their trachea (windpipe) so the person is unable to talk unless they plug the open hole. Many patients learn to do this quite well.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
why can't people with tracheostomy talk?
can you site the anatomical rationale for that? thanks..