Portable Speech Amplifier

 

This Voice Amplifier was originally developed specifically for a man with Parkinson’s Disease.  Having muffled speech or a loss of speech volume can be devastating, especially for someone dealing with PD who must also cope with other symptoms related to the disease.  People with PD, MS, Stroke, or throat surgery etc can get an  immediate boost to their speech volume, so that can be heard once again from across a room or out at a noisy restaurant.

 How does it work?

It’s a lightweight, comfortable, portable voice amplifier.  You simply buckle it around your waist and attach  one of the many microphones.  Turn it “ON” and you will hear an immediate boost to your voice volume.  Adjust the volume knob to your desired volume level.  It’s just that simple!

 How is it powered?

The Voice Amplifier has built-in rechargeable batteries.  Simply plug the unit into the charger overnight, and, while you sleep, it will completely charge itself.

 How does Parkinson’s Disease affect speech?

Approximately 75-90% of individuals with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) have speech and voice disorders at some time in the course of the disease. The most common perceptual speech characteristics include reduced loudness, monopitch, hoarseness,  a breathy voice quality and/or imprecise articulation.  The exact cause of these speech symptoms is not clearly understood, but they may be related to the rigidity of movement, slowness of movement, decrease in musculature status, and reduced amplitude of movement of individuals with PD.

 People with PD are typically not aware that they are getting softer in their speech and more difficult to understand.  Often, a close relative or friend will be advising that they cannot hear you, or you may be asked to repeat yourself often.  These are clues that you may have a problem.  Begin talking louder than you have in the past, keep the body in an upright position, and consider LSVT Speech Therapy for PD.  If these are not enough, especially if your caregiver is also hard of hearing, consider this alternative.  Otherwise, the symptoms may have a negative impact on your quality of life.