Val Kilmer’s voice was permanently affected after he underwent an emergency tracheotomy following a throat cancer diagnosis. The Hollywood star, known for his roles in Top Gun and Batman Forever, was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014 after he began coughing up blood. He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors performed two emergency tracheotomies as per Daily Mail. A tracheotomy creates a hole in the neck and windpipe to insert a breathing tube. Kilmer also underwent chemotherapy and radiation, which caused his tongue to swell and block his lymph passages. After these procedures, he had to place a finger over the opening in his throat to speak clearly. He later shared his struggles in his 2021 Prime Video documentary, Val, where he admitted, “It’s difficult to talk and be understood.” Kilmer also revealed in 2020 that he had been cancer-free for four years, but the tracheotomies permanently altered his ability to speak. Following his surgeries, Kilmer lost his natural voice and relied on an electronic voice box to speak. This battery-operated device produces sound …