Q. My father will because of cancer have his vocal cords removed. He will not be able to articulate any speech or words sound at all. Can he be yotze Keriat Shema and Tefilah by just moving his lips? Could he use other future types of creating voice by harnessing brain waves? (This possibility, which is already used in a reverse form for hearing and seeing, gives my father lots of much needed hope).
A. On question 1593 regarding if the mute (by the removal of the voice cords) can read shnaim mikra by using a voice vibrator that creates words, or if they can they make any bracha with it and have others answer amen, we wrote "Sha'ages Aryeh (6), Minchas Chinuch (420), et.al., maintain that the mute can only comply with tefila, shema, brochos, reading of the megilah etc., by listening to others and being shomea keoneh. (Keren Oiroh, Brochos 6b and others disagree in regards to krias shema). See Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 62: 3), Biur Halocho and Mishna Berura (ibid. 6) in regards to hirhur kedibur (thinking is as saying), that you do not comply with just thinking the words of the speech-involving mitzvos,
The way an Electrolarynx or artificial larynx speech works in its speech method, is that vibrations are generated pneumatically by an external battery operated vibrator, which is usually placed on the cheek or under the chin. It makes a buzzing vibration that reaches the throat and mouth of the user, who had a laryngectomy that removed his larynx (vocal cords/voice box). The person then modifies the sound using his/her mouth to articulate the speech. This method of speaking is quickly and easily learned, produces a strong sound, requires a device with batteries, and the use of one hand. (from; http; soundsdribrook.blogspot.com).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that since without the external artificial vibrations, the mute would not be able to create by his own any speech, the words that he can now articulate are not valid in Halacha. Therefore, he would still need to hear the speech-involving mitzvos from others, and comply by being shomea keoneh. The same would apply to observing shnaim mikro."
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that the same would apply on a future method of creating sound by using brain waves.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
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