Speech is a uniquely human ability that we often take for granted. It allows us to communicate with one another, express emotions, and convey thoughts and ideas. And then one day, it can all be gone.
12,470 new cases of laryngeal cancer have been registered in 2022 so far. Most patients will undergo a total laryngectomy (removal of the larynx). But the impairments resulting from the removal of such a small organ are severe. People lose their voice and speech, endure altered respiration, and have a diminished sense of taste and smell.
At Sempre 2022, Respeecher demonstrated how voice cloning can change the life of patients with speech disabilities and restore a sense of normalcy. Thanks to the electrolarynx, patients can get part of their voice back. The only drawback is that speech generated by an electrolarynx sounds "robotic". Voice banking technology is being explored as a potential solution to this issue.
Respeecher’s voice cloning algorithms can transform such an unnatural sound of an electrolarynx into more articulated and clearer audio. This improvement transforms significantly the patients' lives allowing them to better communicate online, all while upholding principles of AI ethics.