What is a speaking valve tracheostomy?

The Passy-Muir speaking valve is a small device that attaches to your child’s tracheostomy (trach) tube. It allows your child to make sounds and use speech. A speaking valve allows your child to breathe in through his or her trach tube. After he inhales, the speaking valve closes.

Are all speaking valves the same?

Here we will review the different types of speaking valves on the market for patients with tracheostomy tubes and the differences between them. Each individual resident is different and one valve may be more appropriate than another based on patient comfort, benefits and goals.

Can you speak with a tracheostomy tube?

Speech. It’s usually difficult to speak if you have a tracheostomy. Speech is generated when air passes over the vocal cords at the back of the throat. But after a tracheostomy most of the air you breathe out will pass through your tracheostomy tube rather than over your vocal cords.

What is the purpose of a one-way speaking valve?

The Passy-Muir speaking valve is commonly used to help patients speak more normally. This one-way valve attaches to the outside opening of the tracheostomy tube and allows air to pass into the tracheostomy, but not out through it. The valve opens when the patient breathes in.

When should a speaking valve not be used?

Your child should only wear the speaking valve when they are awake and when you are close by to watch their progress. Cues indicating that your child is having difficulty with the speaking valve: Breathing difficulty (chest stops moving after one or two breaths)

What are the side effects of a tracheostomy?

Complications and Risks of Tracheostomy

• Bleeding.
• Air trapped around the lungs (pneumothorax)
• Air trapped in the deeper layers of the chest(pneumomediastinum)
• Air trapped underneath the skin around the tracheostomy (subcutaneous emphysema)
• Damage to the swallowing tube (esophagus)