Researchers at UCLA have created a flexible, thin neck patch that will interpret the movements of the larynx into audible speech. This device could help anyone that suffers from vocal cord problems and is non invasive. The device currently has a limited vocabulary which will be expanded by the researchers in the future. The researchers have shown that the neck patch has an accuracy of 95%. This patch is made up of two main parts: the self-powered sensor which detects movements and translates them into electrical signals and the second part which is a machine learning algorithm that can translate the signals to speech. The patch can also change the tone coming out into whatever is desired.

Jun Chen the lead author of the paper believes that current methods for helping with speech disorders are invasive and uncomfortable saying “ Existing solutions such as handheld-electro-larynx devices and tracheoesophageal- puncture procedures can be invasive or uncomfortable ”. Chen believes the device can be a non-invasive option to help patients before treatment , during recovery and after treatment for people with voice disorders. The researchers intend to improve the vocabulary of the device, and test it on people with speech disorders. According to nature.com some common causes of dysphonia are pathological vocal fold conditions or postoperative recovery of laryngeal cancer surgeries. Of the general population an amount of people that will suffer from a voice disorder during their lifetime is approximately 30% with the amount currently suffering from one being about 7%. The loss of their voice can lead to them not going to work as 7.2% of the participants that had jobs reported not going because of the loss of their voice.

Voice disorders are prevalent across all ages and despite currently available treatments like surgery or voice therapy the recovery time can often last 3 to 12 months with a postoperative period. Existing research has led to the creation of other wearable throat sensors each with their own pros and cons. PVDF or polyvinylidene fluoride is great because of its non-reactivity and its ability to precisely convert mechanical oscillations into voltage signals. On the other hand it does raise safety concerns as it requires a high voltage “ the driving voltage would induce safety concerns for wearable bioelectronics”  written by nature.com. Golden nano thread is good because it can swiftly measure the resistance changes in response to mechanical stresses but it will make the design more bulky and less flexible. The current best option is the Ai supported patch as it has great qualities without sacrificing portability, safety and comfort. With roughly a third of the world suffering from a loss of their voice during their lifetime this is a great option that will no doubt get even better in the future as it continues to get tested.