Final answer:
Candidates for Speaking Valves usually have a tracheostomy and should have a patent upper airway and adequate mental alertness. These valves permit speech by allowing air to flow through the vocal cords during exhalation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Candidates for Speaking Valves generally include individuals who have undergone a tracheostomy and who can benefit from a valve that allows for vocalization while preserving the ability to breathe comfortably. The speaking valve fits onto the hub of the tracheostomy tube and permits air to flow into the trachea for breathing, but during exhalation, the valve closes, forcing air to flow upwards through the vocal cords enabling speech. Ideal candidates for speaking valves are those who have stable respiratory status, sufficient pulmonary function to tolerate brief periods of increased airway resistance, the ability to understand and follow instructions for use, and absence of excessive secretions or obstructions that could interfere with the valve function.
Specifically, two important candidacy criteria for using speaking valves are:
- Patient should have a patent upper airway which allows for exhaled air to pass through the vocal cords and out of the mouth and nose.
- The individual should possess adequate mental alertness and the cognitive ability to handle the valve function and the changes in breathing pattern it introduces.