At the University of California, Los Angeles, scientists have developed a soft adhesive patch designed to translate throat movements into speech. Crafted from a unique material capable of converting motion into electricity, this patch holds promise for aiding individuals with voice disorders in improving their speech. According to findings published in Nature Communications, the patch functions by converting larynx movements into electrical signals, which are then interpreted by a machine learning algorithm to produce speech. With an impressive accuracy rate of up to 94.68 percent, the system shows potential to restore normal voice function and significantly enhance the quality of life for those with dysfunctional vocal folds, as outlined by the researchers.
Vocal cord dysfunction occurs when individuals’ vocal cords, or vocal folds, close instead of opening as they should. This condition, beyond causing breathing difficulties, also leads to voice-related issues since individuals cannot control the opening of their vocal cords. The technology developed by UCLA researchers holds promise for assisting individuals with this dysfunction, potentially alleviating both breathing and voice problems associated with the condition.
The researchers highlight that current solutions such as handheld electrolarynx devices, “talk box” devices, and surgical procedures may be inconvenient, uncomfortable, or invasive. This underscores the necessity for the development of the wearable, noninvasive medical device they have created. Their technology holds particular promise for individuals who are undergoing or have undergone treatment for voice disorders, offering a potentially more practical and comfortable alternative.
