A communication assistance device 10 comprises a conduit 12 along which air can flow, which has a proximal end region 14 for insertion into the mouth of a user, and a distal end region 16 connectable to suction apparatus to cause air to flow from the proximal end region to the distal end region. The communication assistance device comprises sound generating means 17 in the conduit capable of creating a sound when air flows across the sound generating means. The communication assistance device also includes air flow directing means 24 for directing air across the sound generating means to cause the sound generating means to generate sound. The device is preferably one or more reeds 18 mounted in a tube and the air flow direction means is an aperture 24 which may be covered by the users finger. The tube may be bent into an L-shape and held using a wire 26.
