FAQs about stoma occlusion

Information to help you with stoma occlusion.

Why do I have to push the middle of the HME down?

Push the middle of the HME down to occlude the stoma and direct air through the voice prosthesis. If you don’t, your voice quality will deteriorate and there may be an audible leak from your stoma (hissing).

Why is finger pressure important for stoma occlusion?

The extent of stoma occlusion and voice quality can be affected by finger pressure. Too little pressure results in incomplete stoma closure. This can cause air to leak from your stoma and worsen voice quality. Too much pressure can put pressure on the voice prosthesis and the area responsible for making a voice.

Why should I practice using both hands, why not just my dominant hand?

If possible, you should practice occluding the HME with both hands. This is useful, for example, if you wish to speak and write at the same time. It allows you to be completely flexible and not just dependent on your dominant hand.

Why can I not speak as well directly after swallowing?

After a laryngectomy, eating, drinking and speaking all take place in the same area in your throat. When you talk, air is directed up to the area where your food or saliva passes when you swallow. Sometimes food, liquid and secretions can take longer to go down into the stomach and may sit in the area just behind or above the voice prosthesis. Speaking too soon after swallowing may make it difficult to produce a voice. The general advice is to wait before speaking, it can also be useful to count to three then speak.

I like wearing a stoma cover. Can I still occlude my HME?

Yes, absolutely. Just put your finger on top of the stoma cover and press down on your HME as usual. If it is difficult to feel the HME through the stoma cover, put your hand underneath the stoma cover for speaking.

Do I need to use an HME to speak?

It is recommended that HMEs are worn following laryngectomy. This is beneficial for your lung health, hygienic for your stoma and makes occlusion much easier. If don’t use an HME, you can occlude your stoma with a thumb or finger. Speak to your clinician about trying HMEs if you don’t currently use them.