Medicine: Belch-Talk

Every year, to save their lives from cancer of the larynx, 400 people in the U. S. have their Adam's apples removed. The stump of windpipe which remains is turned over and pulled through a hole in the front of the neck, at the point where a collar button usually rests. Through this hole larynx-less patients (mostly men) do their breathing. But they cannot talk aloud, for their breath gushes up in a storm from their lungs, whistles out through their necks, and first requirement for speech is a vibrating column of air in the throat. They sometimes manage to produce...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!