ABOUT
THE SPEECHEASY DEVICE
The
Voice Institute uses the SPEECHEASY™ electronic anti-stuttering
device. The SpeechEasy device is extremely complex in structure
(hardware and software), but wonderfully simple in its concept.
The SpeechEasy device gives the user the effect of choral
speaking. That is, when a group speaks together, as when
reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, stutterers are generally
very fluent. Within this situation, no one is speaking at
the exact same rate nor at the same pitch. The device provides
a delay in what one hears as they speak (as though someone
were speaking more slowly than you) AND at a different pitch
than your own, creating the impression that you are speaking
“with someone else.” Many say it is like having someone
else over their shoulder speaking at ALMOST the same time.
This effect is identified as Delayed Auditory Feedback (DAF)
and Frequency-Altered Feedback (FAF). In addition, the device,
which resembles a hearing aid, also has some loudness (known
as gain) alterations as well as some frequency shaping.
It is NOT a hearing aid! Its purpose is to increase fluency
by decreasing stuttering and ultimately the fears associated
with stuttering moments. Very detailed information is available
at www.Speecheasy.com.
I advise you to follow every link, including How and Why
it Works, Finding a Provider, Frequently Asked Questions,
and What Is It? Call providers in order to choose the individual
with whom you feel most comfortable. Most have e-mail addresses,
so if you are reluctant to use the phone, e-mail your questions!
AN OVERVIEW
OF THE SPEECHEASY PROCEDURE
The
first appointment for the SpeechEasy evaluation/programming
will be three- to four hours long. Since the device is programmed
according to the behavioral and verbal reactions to different
settings, this should be time-consuming to get it right!
You
will need to get a hearing test and an ear mold impression
done by an audiologist before ordering the device. Ask us
for a referral if you don’t know where to go.
This
ear mold impression only has a “shelf-life” of
about six- to eight weeks; plan accordingly!
It
takes about two- to three weeks for the custom-made device
to be delivered back to our office. You will be contacted
immediately to arrange a time to come back and be given
the device and any final adjustments.
The
“follow-up” appointment is a time to be more certain
that the programming of the device is correct (the amount
of delay, frequency alteration, gain), or to change it!
The device’s fit in the ear is also checked, as it
must fit comfortably in order to be worn all day at work
or school.
The
follow-up is also an extremely important time to LEARN all
about caring for the device, what sort of adjunct treatment
might be needed, what NOT to do or expect, and how to resolve
the fears and negative anticipations that have developed
over a lifetime as a stutterer.
This
device uses hearing-aid batteries! Once you know you want
to keep the device (see their return policy), buy your batteries
in six-month supplies and do not be “stingy” with
changing them. For example, if the device is worn 16 hours
a day, it should get a new battery every 6 days. Batteries
are available at our office, or we can ship them to you!
You
should get a dry-aid kit, which dries out the device after
a day’s wear inside your ear. This is especially vital
for those who live in Florida! It need not be expensive,
but it should be easy to use and easy on your fragile device.
We offer different models of dry-aid kits, in-office or
via UPS.
This
device CANNOT act alone. It needs to be cared for, learned
about, and practiced with in order to continue to achieve
increased fluency with its use.
You,
the user, need lots of positive reinforcement; you must
learn to give it to yourself and others must learn to support
you! Remember, ask questions if you do not understand! There
are no dumb questions!
SPEECHEASY
VITAL ACCESSORIES
