A speaking valve is a small one-way valve that is worn on the hub of a tracheostomy tube or in line with ventilator tubing. When patients have a tracheostomy tube, it can be more difficult to speak, swallow, smell or taste. A speaking valve can improve these functions and may improve quality of life.

The valve creates a more typical breathing pattern by allowing your child to exhale air out of their mouth and nose instead of through the tracheostomy tube. The exhaled air moves up past the vocal cords and out of the mouth and/or nose (instead of going back out through the tracheostomy tube), which enables your child’s vocal cords to produce sound. Secretions are also redirected to the mouth where they can be more easily removed or swallowed. When your child inhales, the valve opens automatically, letting air enter the tracheostomy tube and the lungs.

What to Expect

Patients of any age may wear a speaking valve — our team will evaluate your child and their condition to determine if a speaking valve best meets their needs. The length of time your child should wear a speaking valve during the day will be determined during the evaluation. Our speech-language pathologist and pulmonologist will evaluate their tolerance for the valve and make a recommendation. Typically, the speech-language pathologist will make a plan to gradually increase the time your child spends wearing the speaking valve, with the goal of wearing it throughout the day while your child is awake.

There are also certain times it is not recommended for patients to wear their speaking valve, such as when they are asleep or sick. Your child’s care team will provide you with thorough information about proper use, precautions, and cleaning when using the speaking valve.