The following glossary, which can also be found in the Patient Manual of our Provox2 voice prosthesis, may help the less experienced reader to better understand some of the used expressions in our printed material.
Candida
Type of yeast-like organism, which is normally present in the throat and intestines. May multiply and overgrow on the silicone material, which may lead to malfunction of the prosthesis.
Clinician
Medical professional or properly licensed speech & language therapist / pathologist who is trained in voice rehabilitation procedures.
Esophagus
Passage from the throat to the stomach.
Fistula
Opening between two cavities in the body. Here: TE-fistula.
HME
Heat and Moisture Exchanger. Device that retains warm moisture in the airways, which otherwise would be lost by breathing through a tracheostoma instead of the nose or mouth.
Indwelling prosthesis
Voice prosthesis that is prescribed and replaced by a clinician, not by the patient
Non-indwelling prosthesis
Voice prosthesis is prescribed by a clinician, but regularly inserted and removed for cleaning by the patient.
Pharynx
Throat.