Speech assistance device and method

A speech assistance device comprising:

• a monolithic body comprising a first end defining a first opening and a second end defining a second opening, the monolithic body defining a reed module cavity between the first opening and the second opening;
• a reed module positioned within the reed module cavity of the body, the reed module comprising a reed holder and a reed, the reed module also sealed within the reed module also sealed and positioned fully within the reed module cavity of the body, a diameter of the reed module being greater than a diameter of the first opening and greater than a diameter of the second opening;
• and
• an adaptor defining a first end and a second end, the first end of the adaptor so dimensioned as to be able to receive and cover a heat and moisture exchange (HME) cassette secured to and protruding from a neck of a user, the HME cassette being separate from the device and secured proximate to a tracheal stoma defined in the neck of the user, the adaptor comprising a compressible material, the compressible material of the adaptor configured to compress to match a contour of the neck of the user and thereby prevent air from leaking out from between the adaptor and at least one of the neck of the user and the HME cassette.

A method of using a speech assistance device, the method comprising:

• receiving within an adaptor of the device and covering with the device a heat and moisture exchange (HME) cassette secured to and protruding from a neck of a user, the HME cassette being separate from the device and secured proximate to a tracheal stoma defined in the neck of the user;
• sealing against leakage of air traveling from a tracheal stoma defined in the neck of the user into the device at a connection between a first end of the adaptor of the device and at least one of the neck of the user and the HME cassette;
• generating with the device a first vibratory sound defining a first fundamental frequency, the device generating the first vibratory sound with a first reed module incorporated therein, the first reed module comprising a first reed holder and a first reed secured to the first reed holder, the device further comprising:
• the adaptor defining the first end and a second end, the first reed module connected to the adaptor;
• and
• a tube connected to the first reed module, the tube configured to be inserted into a mouth of a user;
• detaching the first reed module of the device from the device;
• and
• attaching a second reed module to the device in place of the first reed module, the second reed module comprising a second reed holder and a second reed secured to the second reed holder;
• wherein
• detaching the first reed module of the device from the device does not require disassembly of the first reed module itself or adjustment of the first reed with respect to the first reed holder;
• and
• attaching the second reed module to the device in place of the first reed module does not require assembly of the second reed module itself or adjustment of the second reed with respect to the second reed holder.