How laryngectomees can cope with the COVID -19 quarantine

The forced quarantine imposed by COVID -19 can be difficult for laryngectomees. Their communication difficulties may increase their social isolation, leading to medical and psychological problems.

In addition to taking steps to improve psychological vulnerability, e.g., developing a routine, reading, watching movies, taking walks, exercising, and learning a new skill, laryngectomees may want to consider the following:

• Communicating with family, friends and support groups by speaking over the phone; and e-mailing and texting using computer, tablet and smartphone. There are several applications that allow video communication (e.g., Skype, FaceTime, Zoom) to keep in touch. The volume and quality of the voice when using telecommunication methods  can be improved by using a hand held microphone  and placing it near the laptop, iPad or iPhone. It would be helpful for support groups to continue meeting using some of these methods.
• Those using tracheo-esophageal speech can learn how to communicate through other methods of speaking (e.g., esophageal speech, electrolarynx, sign language) in case they need to plug their leaking voice prosthesis.
• Not ignoring medical, dental and psychological issues. Continuing to receive care from physicians, dentists, mental health providers, and speech and language pathologists. If physical access to them is limited, contacting them using telemedicine.
• Having adequate supplies needed to speak and care for the airways (e.g., baseplate, HME, saline bullets).
• As home confinement and other restrictions are being slowly lifted, it would be prudent for laryngectomees to continue to observe these other precautionary measures. As more clinical experience in managing COVID-19 infection is gained and new medications and  vaccines are available the consequences of becoming infected may become less dangerous.

As home confinement and other restrictions are being slowly lifted, it would be prudent for laryngectomees to continue to observe precautionary measures. As more clinical experience in managing COVID-19 infection is gained and new medications and vaccines are available the consequences of becoming infected may become less dangerous.

Placing the voice amplifier near the iPad increases voice volume 

Hopefully, following these suggestion may help laryngectomees cope with their quarantine.