A speaking valve is a one-way valve that is used with tracheostomy patients to redirect airflow, allowing them to use their voice and speak. Some speaking valves have also been shown to assist in reducing aspiration risk in the tracheostomy patient. The Passy-Muir valve is one type of speaking valve commonly used and marketed for its “201C;no-leak” closed system design.

One-way speaking valves allow airflow into the tracheostomy tube on inhalation but close on exhalation, thus forcing air to pass between the tracheostomy tube and the walls of the trachea and ultimately through the vocal cords and upper airway (Fig. 92.1). This helps to establish a more “201C;normal” airflow pattern for the patient in addition to restoring verbal communication.