Why I don't like voice amplifiers

Recently, I had a doctor ask me about using a voice amplifier instead of SpeechVive.

Here's my response:

I rarely recommend voice amplifiers in my practice.  A lot of SLPs use the phrase “garbage in, garbage out” when referring to them. 

Due to the speech qualities associated with PD: slurred speech, rate changes, and sometimes stuttering—it can be difficult to understand someone via amplifier. The amplifier does a great job increasing volume, not speech or voice quality.  Also, the amplifiers can seem obtrusive looking to many clients.  Frequently, the result is a louder, poorly understood voice or an amplifier that sits on the shelf gathering dust.

The MAIN reason I don’t typically recommend them—it does NOTHING to address the underlying physiology and speech-breathing patterns that are disordered and reduced for people with Parkinson's disease.  

​Research shows that people with Parkinson's benefit from exercise.  SpeechVive's automatic cue to speak louder turns every speech utterance into "speech exercise."

I've been a Speech Pathologist for over 12 years.  With SpechVive, I'm able to provide an  immediate increase in speech volume and I know that it's helping outside my office.

I know that I'm being effective by helping people with Parkinson's communicate again.

Interested in trying SpeechVive?

Find a Clinic