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Prosthetic Tongue Gives Cancer Survivor Her Voice Back
8 Oct
Summary
- A doctor developed a prosthetic tongue after cancer treatment impacted her speech.
- The custom-made device significantly improved her communication abilities.
- It has made speaking less effortful and more fluid for her.
Dr. Brooks, who is now 30, faced significant communication challenges following cancer treatment that affected her speech. She found that people often reacted with fear or misunderstood her, impacting her professional and personal life. After researching options, she collaborated with dental technicians at Guy's Hospital to create a custom prosthetic tongue.
This innovative device, designed through trial and error, allowed Dr. Brooks to achieve greater intelligibility and fluidity in her speech. She noted improvements within three days and has since successfully passed an oral exam for her doctorate. The prosthetic has made speaking less tiring and more natural, enhancing her interactions with others, including her hard-of-hearing grandmother.
The prosthetic tongue has also brought physical benefits, reducing the effort required to speak and enabling her to converse for longer periods without interruption. Dr. Brooks, a cancer survivor with no current signs of the disease, hopes her experience inspires medical professionals to prioritize patient quality of life through collaborative innovation.
