Custom Made Valves
~reprinted from Look Who's Talking
During the CAL convention in Glendale, Jan Lewin, Ph.D., University of Michigan, explained that one of the teaching dentists at the University of Michigan had made several TEP valve housings to replace the standard round valve housing. These were molded to fit the individual patient’s neck area to enable a close, tight, non leaking fit. The reason for developing these “made to order” valve housings was to accommodate those laryngectomees that can’t maintain a tight seal throughout the day because of their neck or stoma shape.
Dwight Pollock, of the Tri Valley Voice Masters, has reported similar progress in the Northern California area. At the recommendation of Dr. Mark Singer (co-developer of the Blom-Singer prosthesis and valve) he met with Dr. Arun Sharma, DDS, who is on the staff at UC Mt. Zion Medical Center, as well as a designer of ear and nose prosthesis. After several visits, Dr. Sharma developed a custom fitted, flesh colored housing for Dwight.
Dwight reports that the results have been terrific. “Previously I had worn the TEP valve on a sporadic basis, as the frustration of having the seal leak while talking to someone made it not worth the effort to re-glue several times a day. At best the old seal would last four hours. Now, since receiving the new custom made valve housing, even after talking all day I have to work at taking off the housing each evening. Since receiving the valve over three weeks ago, the seal has not failed once”. He also reports that removal of the glue is much easier and he experienced a big decrease in the amount of mucus he generates. This is probably a direct result of maintaining a “closed stoma system” which retains moisture and helps reduce mucus buildup.
Anyone that has experienced problems in maintaining a seal when using a TEP valve, may want to contact Dr. Sharma at 415-956-5162. If you live in Southern California contact Gail Monahan, 818-356-9925 for reference to a doctor in that area who is interested in developing a similar device.
Oh yes, Dwight also reports that his insurance covered everything.