Coming In Loud and Clear
By Velez, Tiana; Quest, Vol. 17, No. 1Publication Date: January-March 2010
Article features the ChatterVox, a voice amplifier which boosts a weak voice to a normal level. The low-tech communication aid is designed to augment the voice volume of users with muscle diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis who do not have adequate breath support to speak loudly or produce long sentences. The ChatterVox system consists of a microphone, which can be mounted on a wheelchair attachment to hold it close to the user's mouth, and an amplifier/speaker unit, which can be worn around the waist or fastened to the user’s wheelchair. The microphone boosts the user’s voice volume by as much as 18 decibels without picking up other voices or background noises. Voice amplifiers such as the ChatterVox can be used with headset, collar, and pencil microphones, with headset microphones reportedly giving the best results. The device also works with speakerphones, allowing for normal phone conversations, and can be used with voice recognition computer software. People in the market for a voice amplifier are advised first to try out a loaner device through a speech-language pathologist or Muscular Dystrophy Association clinic before buying, as these systems range in price from 250 to 700 dollars.
Assistive Products Discussed: CHATTERVOX
Published by: Muscular Dystrophy Association (Website:http://www.mdausa.org)
Link to text: http://quest.mda.org/article/coming-loud-and-clear
