[Rotten194]

I would also suggest looking into learning American Sign Language (of course alongside this project). While communicating via keyboard is workable and good for communicating with the wider world, ASL would be much more convenient for communicating between you two -- and a very interesting language to boot. It is a foreign language thats not related to English besides a few loan words, but there's tons of online resources and most universities have classes as well. Plus, you also can experience beautiful Deaf culture, with a rich storytelling and poetic tradition that blends language, gesture, acting, and pantomime in a way thats just impossible to translate to a spoken language.

The downvoted commenter was being a jerk, but I do think learning ASL is an option worth looking into.

[krisoft]

I think your answer misses the point of the question. Learning ASL can be done after the surgery if she lost her voice. The question was what can be done now before the surgery. The kind of things which, if it comes to the worst and she loses her voice, cannot be done after.

[saltcured]

I wouldn't discount the value of having some rudimentary signs to communicate immediately after surgery. It seems odd to me to focus on some dream of a perfect TTS synthesis if these more basic needs are not addressed first.

If you've ever had a mouth injury that inhibits talking, or been in a foreign environment where your speech is totally useless, it can be very stressful to be unable to communicate. I think the couple should consider learning some of the basics ahead of time, so that communication is possible without typing or any other apparatus.

Considering post-surgery recovery window, I'd want to be able to express very basic things like:

I am comfortable

I am in pain

I am hungry

I am nauseated

I need to urinate/defecate

I want to rest

I love you

When will you return

etc. I might suggest trying to boil down one or two inside-joke kinds of phrases as well, to be able to lift each others spirits in private or intimate way.

[whatusername]

a pen and paper would suffice for immediate communication needs.

[bluGill]

If it must, but it isn't as smooth as conversation can be. sign language is a real language, and you can have real conversation, with all the pros and cons of real conversation.

[elil17]

I strongly agree with this. Trying to type never as your main form of communication is exhausting. With a sign language, even if you’re not very good at it, you’re having a face to face conversation and you feel a sense of connection.

Also, if you’re not in America, you can learn your local sign language (e.g. British Sign Language, AusLan)

[imglorp]

Agree. Learning for my spouse. It's fun and easy and there's a ton of resources online and maybe at your local university. You can get good enough to have essential conversation in a few hundred signs. Deep and rapid skill takes study and practice, as you would expect.

[zapzupnz]

I agree, there is great value in sign languages for people who are unable to speak. (Disclaimer: I am hearing and learnt New Zealand Sign Language)

Obviously, it comes with great effort on both the part of the wife and OP, plus a rethinking of some social interactions and even social groups.

However, no problem is insurmountable with sufficient assistance and support from friends, family, and expert groups. Learning sign language is fun and a great way to meet new friends, hearing and Deaf alike.

It may be a last resort, but it's an option not to be ignored.