A mechanical larynx is a meical device used to produce clearer speech by those who have lost their original voicebox, usually due to cancer of the larynx. It is also referred to as a 'throat back'. The most common device is the electrolarynx which is handheld, battery operated and placed under the mandible producing vibration to allow speech. Along with developing esophageal voice or undergoing a surgical procedure, the mechanical larynx serves as a mode of speech recovery for postlaryngectomy patients.