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  SpeechVive: A Medical Device to Improve Speech for People with Parkinson's Disease
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SpeechVive Update

8/18/2017

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It has been a busy year for the team at SpeechVive.  We've created a stream-lined calibration software that allows trained specialists a higher level of accuracy when calibrating devices.  The software has been tested and proven effective in a variety of clinical settings.  

Now, we're creating a web-based telehealth platform that integrates video and audio capabilities and makes calibrating SpeechVive devices remotely a reality.  

If you're interested in learning more about developments as they become available, join our mailing list..
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Why I don't like voice amplifiers

2/7/2017

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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?

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Why Should I Get Speech Therapy?

11/22/2016

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What is a Speech-Language Pathologist?

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This is the official title of a "speech therapist," "speech teacher," or "speech coach" who has completed at least an accredited master's-level program, passed a national exam, and finished a 9-month fellowship.  

​Only speech-language pathologists (SLP) who have completed this process can use the credentials "CCC-SLP." (the CCC stands for Certificate of Clinical Competence.) To keep this certificate, SLPs must complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education every 3 years.
All speech-language pathologists are trained to evaluate and treat speech, voice, language, cognitive and swallowing disorders that occur as part of the Parkinson's Disease process.  However, some SLPs have completed additional certifications specifically for Parkinson's-specific treatment programs. 
Free E-Book about Speech Programs for Parkinson's Disease

When Should I See a Speech-Language Pathologist?

As part of the Parkinson's Disease process, the muscles that impact speech and swallowing can become weaker and dis-coordinated--similar to the muscles that control other motor movements like walking and writing.  

Your speech can become slurred, your volume lower, and your speech rate faster.  These changes can make it hard for others to understand you.  ​
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You may also notice that you have a harder time thinking.  Multi-tasking, remembering, and solving simple problems can be more difficult.  You may feel like you're in a "brain fog" more than usual.  This can lead to concerns about safety in the workplace and at home.

Another symptom that can occur is more difficulty with eating and swallowing.  You or your loved ones may notice that you cough/choke more often while eating.  You may start avoiding certain foods that are "hard" to eat.

​All these symptoms can be addressed by a speech-language pathologist.
If you experience changes in your speech, thinking, and/or swallowing, ask your doctor to refer you to a speech-language pathologist.
Find a Speech-Language Pathologist

What Should I Expect from a Speech Therapy Visit?

By now, you're probably used to the normal "drill" when you visit a new specialist.  Your SLP will gather a complete case history from you.  Questions will center around your experiences with communication, thinking, and eating/swallowing.  Be sure to bring in a current medication list and discuss any symptoms you're currently experiencing--even if you don't think they're related.

​During your evaluation, your speech-language pathologist will administer evaluations to measure speech and voice quality, your thinking skills, and your eating and swallowing safety.

The evaluation will take about 2 hours to complete.  After it's complete, your SLP will discuss their finding with you and collaborate with you to create a treatment plan that takes your priorities and goals into consideration.

For More Information About Specific Speech Therapy Programs for Parkinson's Disease, Check Out Our Free E-Book

Free E-Book about Speech Programs for Parkinson's Disease
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5 Easy Tips That Make It Easier to Understand Your Loved One This Holiday

11/14/2016

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Let's face it, some conversations this holiday season are NOT going to go well. . .
​
​              . . . no matter what you do

Your Uncle Phil will ALWAYs smell like onions and insists on telling you the play-by-play of his gall bladder operation
. . . again.   

​The cousin, deep into her "goth" phase, will only answer questions with single-syllable grunts.

A herd of nieces and nephews will be leaning over their smartphones with such frequency that you'll learn to identify them by the uniqueness of their scalps.
​Then, there's your favorite loved one.  The family member you've been looking forward to spending time with most of all.  However, this year, you've noticed that Parkinson's Disease has affected their speech, making them much harder to understand.  

​Here are some hints that can help make it easier for you to understand your loved one in this situation.

5 simple strategies to improve communication when someone is hard to understand

Make Eye Contact

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We gather a lot of visual information that helps us understand others' speech.

Maintain eye contact with your loved one while they're speaking to you.  

​Not only will it help with understanding them, but it will also give your family member positive feedback that you're listening and interested in what they're saying. 
 If possible utilize FaceTime, Skype, or similar technologies that allow you to incorporate visual information into your call.  This can really help make your phone conversation more engaging and increase overall understanding.

Eliminate Distractions

To maximize understanding, have a conversation with your family member in a quiet location.  

This may require moving away from the center of the action during a larger family gathering to have a more meaningful and effective chat.  

​Turning off the TV and putting the phone away will help as well.  

via GIPHY

Listening to your loved one with speech changes due to Parkinson's Disease will require more mental effort. Give them your full attention for the best outcome.

Know the Topic of the Conversation, If Possible

via GIPHY


​Just like establishing a topic or category when you play charades, knowing the topic of the conversation can greatly improve your ability to understand your loved one.  

Ask clarifying questions, if needed such as:

​"I want to make sure I'm on the same page, we're talking about _____."

Encourage Hand Gestures

Channel your inner (or outer) Italian and use gestures.  
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Just like our ability to infer meaning in conversation from facial expressions, we do the same for gestures.  

via GIPHY

​Encourage your loved one to incorporate gestures as much as possible into the conversation.

Avoid Walking and Chewing Gum

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It can be common for people with Parkinson's disease to struggle with multitasking.  

Wait to have a conversation with your loved one when they aren't distracted by other tasks.

​This will increase their ability to focus on the conversation and assist with clarifying their meaning as needed.
Your loved one with Parkinson's Disease may have a harder time paying attention, help them out by waiting to have a discussion when they aren't busy.

There are effective, research-based speech programs available for people with Parkinson's

Click Here to Learn More
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Speech Technology for Veterans with Parkinson's Disease

10/10/2016

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 SpeechVive is proud to partner with VA Medical Centers to provide the latest speech technology to the brave men and women who have served our country and are now dealing with the speech/voice changes associated with Parkinson's Disease.

The SpeechVive device is designed to provide immediate improvement in speech volume and clarity for the 90% of people with Parkinson's that experience voice changes.

Speech-language pathologists at Veteran's Administration Medical Centers are provided training, clinical tools, and ongoing support free of charge by SpeechVive to better serve our Veterans.  

Click here to find out which VA Medical Centers currently have SpeechVive. 

The Veterans Administration is dedicated to providing clinical excellence for veterans with Parkinson's Disease.  They have a wide range of supports available through their Parkinson's Disease Research, Education, and Clinical Centers (PADRECCs).  Even if you do not live near a PADRECC, your local medical team can consult with these groups to provide you the most current, evidence-based treatments available.  Find out more at parkinsons.va.gov



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"Use of the SpeechVive device improves communication in people with Parkinson’s disease"

9/1/2016

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This is the title of the poster Dr. Jessica Huber will present at the World Parkinson's Congress this month in Portland, Oregon.  Dr. Huber's poster was chosen as a "leading abstract" for the conference and she has the honor of being featured on Poster Tour 7, Wednesday 9/21 starting at 5:15pm PDT.  

Dr. Huber will take the opportunity to discuss her invention, SpeechVive, and the communication improvements that have resulted from its use for people with Parkinson's disease.  Jessica will be on hand to answer any questions and discuss her research and clinical experiences with the SpeechVive.

Visit SpeechVive at booth #716 during the conference for additional information and signup to try out the device while you're here.  If you'd like to schedule a free trial, sign up here.

​SpeechVive and Dr. Huber are honored to be a part of the World Parkinson's Congress, 2016.  

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What Do Speech Language Pathologists and Software Engineers Have in Common?

6/28/2016

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Well, you might not think they have very much in common.  However, at SpeechVive SLPs and software engineers are working hand-in-hand to update the current calibration software used for the SpeechVive device.  The goal of this update is 2-pronged:

1.) Provide a user-friendly calibration "wizard" for SLPs in the clinic
2.) Initiate work on our NIH-funded research to create a tele-health platform for SLPs to calibrate the SpeechVive and treat clients remotely.


Check out this great interview with Dr. Jessica Huber, the inventor of SpeechVive, as she explains more about the vision our team has for the future.

So, what do SLPs and Software developers have in common?

  • Identify problems other people don't always notice. . . and we want to FIX them!
    • Ask any SLP, we're always listening to the speech and language skills of those around us and identifying disorders that no one else would notice.  (As I write this at my local coffee shop, I'm hearing speech disorders at the table next to me that are probably related to loose fitting dentures...do you think they'd mind if I just go and *fix* it?!?)
    • Software engineers are continually using other developer's software products and talking about how the code could be better or how they could do it differently.
  • Look for creative solutions to problems
    • SLPs take a client's individual needs and preferences into account with every treatment plan.  There's no such thing as a one-sized-fits-all solution.  We're pretty good at incorporating a client's interests and jobs into therapy.  I actually heard about a SLP and PT who worked with a railroad worker who had to jump between train cars as part of his job.  They actually took him out to the trains and worked on safety strategies for this guy!
    • Software engineers, while not headed to the train tracks, are always looking for the creative solution.  They have to tackle problems that clients present to them by asking enough questions to get to the root needs.  Then, figure out how to get from A-to-Z.  A lot of times they are using new tools, new routes for the problem, and testing new ideas.
  • Focus on the Long-Term Goals
    • ​One of the first things any SLP will ask a client is: "What is your goal?"  From the very beginning, we're focused on helping our clients reach their final goal and eventual discharge from speech therapy.  We succeed when a client doesn't need us anymore.
    • Software engineers ask the same thing from their clients.  What is the end goal for the software they're developing?  They succeed when their product delivers what the client needs.

SLPs and Software Engineers have more in common than you might think! 

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Save The Date

6/14/2016

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SpeechVive will be at the World Parkinson's Congress September 20-23 in Portland, Oregon.  

This event, coordinated by the World Parkinson's Coalition, is held every 3 years in an effort to create an
 international forum to learn about the latest scientific discoveries, medical practices, caregiver initiatives and advocacy work related to Parkinson's disease.  

We are thrilled to be a part of this great event.  Come by our booth #716 and say "hi!"

​
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We're ready to talk. . . 

6/14/2016

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​As the inaugural post, I thought it fitting to give a little insight into what is going on behind the scenes at SpeechVive.  

Currently, the team is working with a skilled group of software developers to completely overhaul our calibration software.  This will change the whole experience clinicians have while setting up SpeechVive--for the better!  Be on the lookout for updates on this exciting change.  In the meantime, our version 1 software still works and is effective for calibrating devices.  Calibrate on!

Dr. Huber has submitted new research for publication regarding SpeechVive.  This new study gives more insight in the effectiveness of SpeechVive as a tool for people with hypokinetic dysarthria and specifically outlines a treatment protocol.  We're looking forward to this paper's approval and publication.

From an engineering standpoint, we have a great team working on manufacturing and production with an Indiana-based company.  Our product is made in the USA with oversight from our engineers.

Our clinical manager is happily fielding questions from customers and providing trainings to clinicians.  In an effort to be available, more training is provided online. This means less time in the air with her phone/email off and more time available to you.

Our entire team remains committed to providing a quality product and experience.  Please feel free to reach out with any questions, anytime.

image credit: Ron Mader http://ow.ly/7rez301gIxh
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