Lunéville: Singing After Laryngectomy
- LUNÉVILLE, France – denis, Paul, Gilbert, and Jean-Pierre, patients at the Lunéville hospital center, have discovered a renewed ability to speak and even sing, thanks to phonatory implants.
- The device, described as a "bridge" between the trachea and esophagus, allows air from the lungs to vibrate the throat's mucous membranes when the patient presses on their...
- The quartet, typically accompanied by a fifth member named Gérard, has embraced this technology, overcoming the challenges it presents.
Lunéville Hospital Patients Find New Voice Through Phonatory Implants
LUNÉVILLE, France – denis, Paul, Gilbert, and Jean-Pierre, patients at the Lunéville hospital center, have discovered a renewed ability to speak and even sing, thanks to phonatory implants.
The device, described as a “bridge” between the trachea and esophagus, allows air from the lungs to vibrate the throat’s mucous membranes when the patient presses on their tracheostoma, located at the base of the neck. This process restores their vocal capabilities, enabling them to express themselves through spoken word and song.
The quartet, typically accompanied by a fifth member named Gérard, has embraced this technology, overcoming the challenges it presents.
Choir Reinterprets Patrick Bruel’s ”Break the Voice”
According to Denis Sesmat, president of the Mutiles of the Voice of Lorraine, the idea for the choir originated within the hospital. The CHL dialog team proposed the concept two years ago. Sesmat, a former choir member, embraced the idea and chose to adapt Patrick Bruel’s well-known song, “Break the Voice.”
The rewritten lyrics reflect the experiences of laryngectomized individuals:
When everything seems screwed up/and we no longer speak/I have this crazy dream/talk like you.
Sesmat explained that the removal of the larynx, frequently enough due to disease, results in the loss of voice. we are deprived of voice, but with perseverance and a little technique, we manage to speak and make ourselves understood,
he said.
Laryngectomy not only alters vocal production but also affects breathing, swallowing, smell, and taste.
Performances and Future Aspirations
The rewritten lyrics, titled “My Funny Voice,” received approval from Patrick Bruel’s record company.
The choir debuted the song last year at the signing of the local health contract 2024-2029 for the Pays du Lunévillois. More recently, the group performed during the national red-gorge campaign to raise awareness of throat cancers at the CHU and ICL in Nancy, and at Lunéville during World Voice Day.
The choir also includes three caregivers – Danielle, Pascale, and Marie-Pierre – and two other healthcare workers, a nurse and a pharmacy preparer.
Together, the members blend their diverse voices to create a moving experience. They hope to one day share the stage with Patrick Bruel himself, and have submitted several requests in pursuit of this dream.
# Lunéville Hospital Patients Find New Voice: A Q&A
## What is this article about?
This article explores how patients at Lunéville Hospital in France are regaining their ability to speak and sing after losing their voice due to laryngectomy,thanks to phonatory implants and a supportive choir.
## What are phonatory implants?
Phonatory implants are devices described as a “bridge” between the trachea and esophagus. They allow patients who have undergone a laryngectomy to regain vocal capabilities.
## How do phonatory implants work?
When a patient presses on their tracheostoma (an opening in the neck), the device allows air from the lungs to vibrate the throat’s mucous membranes. This vibration recreates the sound necessary for speech and singing.
## Who are the patients mentioned in the article?
The article mentions Denis, paul, Gilbert, and Jean-Pierre as patients at Lunéville hospital who have experienced renewed vocal abilities thanks to phonatory implants.
## What is the “Choir” mentioned in the article?
The “Choir” is composed of the four patients mentioned above,plus Gérard,who is a fifth member. They have embraced the technology and are using their voices.
## what kind of challenges did the choir overcome?
The article mentions that the choir has overcome the challenges that phonatory implants present. The specific challenges aren’t detailed in the provided text, but imply overcoming technical or physical hurdles.
## What song did the choir reinterpret?
The choir adapted Patrick Bruel’s song, “Break the Voice”.
## Why was the song “Break the Voice” chosen and how was it adapted?
The choir chose “Break the Voice” and rewrote the lyrics to reflect the experiences of laryngectomized individuals. The new lyrics are called “My Funny Voice.”
## What do the rewritten lyrics say?
The rewritten lyrics reflect the challenges and aspirations of those who have undergone laryngectomy.
Here’s a direct quote from the rewritten lyrics (translated):
> ”When everything seems screwed up/and we no longer speak/I have this crazy dream/talk like you.”
## What is laryngectomy?
Laryngectomy is the surgical removal of the larynx, frequently enough due to disease.
## What are the effects of laryngectomy mentioned in the article?
Laryngectomy results in the loss of voice.It also affects breathing,swallowing,smell,and taste.
## Who is Denis Sesmat?
Denis Sesmat is the president of the “Mutiles of the Voice of Lorraine” and a former choir member.
## How did the idea for the choir originate?
The idea for creating the choir originated within the hospital. The CHL dialog team proposed the choir concept two years ago.
## Where and when did the choir perform?
* The choir debuted the song “My Funny Voice” last year at the signing of the local health contract 2024-2029 for the Pays du Lunévillois.
* They also performed during the national red-gorge campaign to raise awareness of throat cancers at the CHU and ICL in Nancy, and at Lunéville during World Voice day.
## Who else is in the choir?
The choir also includes three caregivers (Danielle, Pascale, and Marie-Pierre) and two other healthcare workers (a nurse and a pharmacy preparer).
## What are the choir’s future aspirations?
The choir hopes to share the stage with Patrick Bruel himself and has submitted requests to achieve this dream.
## Summary of Key Points
Here’s a table summarizing the key aspects:
| Key Element | description |
|---|---|
| Patients | Denis,Paul,Gilbert,and Jean-Pierre (plus Gérard) |
| Technology | Phonatory implants (a “bridge” between trachea and esophagus) |
| Goal | To regain the ability to speak and sing after laryngectomy. |
| Choir’s Name (as a function) | The song is titled “My Funny voice” |
| Initial Song | Patrick Bruel’s”Break the Voice” |
| choir’s Members | Laryngectomized patients, caregivers, and healthcare workers |
| Goal | To perform with Patrick Bruel |
