Best Headsets for Electrolarynx Users: Empowering Communication After Laryngectomy

Losing the ability to speak permanently is a reality for many Laryngectomees, or 'Larys' as they affectionately call themselves, who have had their larynx (voice box) partially or completely removed due to injury or illness. As I'm sure you can imagine, losing your larynx makes communicating very difficult, since it is solely responsible for producing speech - that's why they call it the voice box. Without a voice box, Larys need help from technology to speak at all, but even then it's a challenge to be heard and understood properly, and this is especially so over the phone, as we will soon discover. But, with the help of some cool tech, Larys can thankfully overcome this challenge and have their voices heard.

The Electrolarynx is one of the most frequently used devices to help Larys communicate. This small, handheld medical device is placed against the skin of the neck, just below the jaw, and produces vibrations that enable speech once again. However, the resulting voice, which is often described as robot-like, can sometimes be challenging for others to understand. Despite this, the Electrolarynx has provided hope for many Laryngectomees in regaining their voice and their confidence in communicating with others.

Using a Phone After a Laryngectomy

Unfortunately though, using a phone with an Electrolarynx can be difficult, not only because you would need to hold the phone with one hand and the Electrolarynx with the other, making some tasks such as note taking nearly impossible, unless you can write confidently with a pen in your mouth (we sure can't!) But also because Electrolarynx's produce a buzzing noise that is often picked up by the phone and makes it difficult for others to hear and understand them. This buzzing noise can often mask the voice of the speaker, which can make it even more challenging for Larys to communicate effectively over the phone.

Choosing a Headset for Laryngectomees

Fortunately, there's a solution to both of these challenges, and that is by using a quality headset for Laryngectomees. But not just any headset, of course, you need one that is not only sensitive enough to pick up the sound of your Electrolarynx's voice, but also has noise cancelling capabilities that can block out the buzzing sound. A headset for laryngectomees that ticks both these boxes will make communicating over the phone effortless, as you can now speak with confidence, knowing that your voice is heard loud and clear without distortion.

A quality headset is an essential speech assist tool for any Laryngectomee as it frees your other hand while you're on the phone so you can take notes or type on your computer, while its microphone is able to effectively pick up the sound of your voice from an Electrolarynx and cancel out the sound of the buzzing so people on the other end don't hear it. That means less repeating yourself over the phone and more pleasant conversations. A headset for Laryngectomees is especially helpful in today's world where virtual meetings over Zoom, or Microsoft Teams are much more common.

Best Headset for Laryngectomees: Plantronics Voyager 4320

We recently had a customer reach out to us asking for a recommendation for a headset for Laryngectomees, and our headset team who live and breathe headsets (and are aware of the challenges that Larys face in everyday communication) were quick to recommend one to solve their problems. That headset is the Plantronics Voyager 4320.

40% Off

RRP: $421

Plantronics/Poly Voyager 4320 UC Bluetooth Headset V4320 USB-C, With Charging Stand

Now: $253 inc GST

Save: $168

• WORKS WITH - Mobile/Tablet + PC/Laptop/Mac
• Includes Charge Stand, USB-C Dongle
• Hybrid working flexibility
• Zoom Certified
• Up to 24 Hours Talk time

Buy Now

The Plantronics Voyager 4320 is an exceptional Bluetooth wireless headset that meets all the requirements for a Laryngectomee. While it is the entry-level option in the Plantronics Bluetooth line, it is fully loaded with features. Its compatibility with Zoom is seamless, and it provides exceptional audio quality, all-day comfort, and outstanding Active Noise Cancelling capabilities. The headset is equipped with a flexible noise-cancelling microphone that is perfect for capturing the voice of your Electrolarynx. Since the microphone is adjustable, you can position it for optimal performance and prevent any distortion. Additionally, there is a mute button on the microphone that can be a lifesaver in a pinch.

The battery life is impressive, with up to 24 hours of talk time and 50 days of standby battery time. You'll never have to worry about running out of battery again. What's more, the wireless range is outstanding, with a reach of up to 50 meters. If you use the Office base, the range can be extended to 91 meters. That's a lot of ground for a Bluetooth headset! With the Office base, you can connect the headset to your desk phone and enjoy Microsoft Teams certified functionality. These headsets are ideal for remote work since they connect directly to your mobile phone via Bluetooth and come with a USB dongle for connecting to a PC, Mac, or laptop. They're Teams Certified, so you'll have quick access to Teams functions and alerts. Finally, the Poly Plantronics Voyager headsets can remember up to eight devices and maintain a concurrent connection to two.

Here's what our customer (who sounds as happy as Lary!) had to say about their new headset.