Speech Easy
A revolutionary product for people who stammer is now available at The Hearing Care Centre Ipswich! SpeechEasy is a custom made anti-stammer device small and discrete like a hearing aid it helps stammerers to speak fluently using the ‘choral effect’.
Click below to find out more:
To trial the SpeechEasy device or for further information either:
Email melvynhowe@hearingcarecentre.co.uk or call us FREE on 0800 0962637.
What Is Stammering?
Unpredictable and variable
Stammering can take many different forms, and each person who has a stammer shows slightly different features.
One common feature is its unpredictability and variability. This makes it a deeply frustrating problem to the person who stammers and to the family. Many people describe how phases of stammering are followed by a fluent period, which may last for weeks - naturally this adds to the dilemma of when or whether to ask for help.
Often people report that there is no obvious pattern to the problem, for example, sometimes it becomes worse when tired, but not always, and sometimes it is better when relaxed, but not consistently. There is no defined pattern.
Characteristics of stammering
Although the quantity and type of the stammering differs for each individual, the following features are more usual:
Stammering can take many different forms, and each person who has a stammer shows slightly different features.
One common feature is its unpredictability and variability. This makes it a deeply frustrating problem to the person who stammers and to the family. Many people describe how phases of stammering are followed by a fluent period, which may last for weeks - naturally this adds to the dilemma of when or whether to ask for help.
Often people report that there is no obvious pattern to the problem, for example, sometimes it becomes worse when tired, but not always, and sometimes it is better when relaxed, but not consistently. There is no defined pattern.
Characteristics of stammering
Although the quantity and type of the stammering differs for each individual, the following features are more usual:
· Repetition of whole words, e.g. "and, and, and, then I left"
· Repetition of single sounds, e.g. "c-c-come h-h-here"
· Prolonging of sounds, e.g. "sssssssometimes I go out"
· Blocking of sounds, where the mouth is in position, but no sound comes out
· Facial tension - in the muscles around the eyes, nose, lips or neck
· Extra body movements may occur as the person attempts to 'push' the word out: stamping the feet, shifting body position or tapping with the fingers
· The breathing pattern may be disrupted, for example, a person may hold their breath while speaking or take an exaggerated breath before speaking
· Generally the flow of speech is interrupted and this may cause distress to the speaker and the listener
SpeechEasy is a proven* fluency device used to reduce stammering and to help increase fluency. Whilst you will not stop stammering completely (there is no cure for stammering), it can help you to take back control of your speech, and your life. The confidence you gain by saying what you want, when you want, is immeasurable. You will no longer fear social functions, avoid ordering food at a restaurant, or keep quiet when you really want to speak out.
According to research in the USA 80% of SpeechEasy customers are fluent or almost fluent with the device. This group indicated that SpeechEasy had a very positive impact on their well being, their self-confidence increased and they experienced improvement in social and professional contacts.
This group also indicated that while SpeechEasy works well as a stand alone tool, combining speech therapy techniques with the fluency device has shown even more remarkable results in reducing a person's stuttering problem. Working closely with a Speech & Language Therapist to refine known fluency techniques, a further reduction in stammering was seen as a result of combining the use of the device and speech therapy.
*Customer satisfaction survey with 489 SpeechEasy customers, by an independent investigation agency Rainmaker & Sun Integrated Marketing, April 2004.
How It Works
Stammering Treatment
Stammering treatment has come a long way. The use of Altered Auditory Feedback (AAF) in helping people who stammer has been around for a long time. This stammering treatment to help people become more fluent remained essentially a clinical challenge for such a long time due to the large bulky stammer devices that were used to provide the effects.
Stammering treatment has come a long way. The use of Altered Auditory Feedback (AAF) in helping people who stammer has been around for a long time. This stammering treatment to help people become more fluent remained essentially a clinical challenge for such a long time due to the large bulky stammer devices that were used to provide the effects.
SpeechEasy Fluency Device
The SpeechEasy fluency device is small and inconspicuous - developed through recent advances in technology that has allowed it to be used outside of clinical environments. SpeechEasy fluency devices are based on a natural phenomenon called the "choral effect." The "choral effect" occurs when people who stammer speak or sing in unison with others and their stammer is dramatically reduced or even eliminated. This "choral effect" has been well documented for decades; however it is only recently that scientists have been able to recreate it in a small, wearable device for stammering treatment that can used in everyday life.
SpeechEasy fluency devices are worn similar to a hearing aid. However, unlike hearing aids, rather than amplify sound, SpeechEasy devices use a system of Altered Auditory Feedback (AAF) to recreate and optimise the choral effect. What this means is that when someone wears a SpeechEasy device and speaks, their words are digitally replayed in their ear with a very slight delay and frequency modification. As a result, the brain perceives that it is speaking in unison with another person. This perception of "speaking in unison" creates the "choral effect", thus becoming a stammering treatment that can reduce or even eliminate stuttering.
The SpeechEasy fluency device is small and inconspicuous - developed through recent advances in technology that has allowed it to be used outside of clinical environments. SpeechEasy fluency devices are based on a natural phenomenon called the "choral effect." The "choral effect" occurs when people who stammer speak or sing in unison with others and their stammer is dramatically reduced or even eliminated. This "choral effect" has been well documented for decades; however it is only recently that scientists have been able to recreate it in a small, wearable device for stammering treatment that can used in everyday life.
SpeechEasy fluency devices are worn similar to a hearing aid. However, unlike hearing aids, rather than amplify sound, SpeechEasy devices use a system of Altered Auditory Feedback (AAF) to recreate and optimise the choral effect. What this means is that when someone wears a SpeechEasy device and speaks, their words are digitally replayed in their ear with a very slight delay and frequency modification. As a result, the brain perceives that it is speaking in unison with another person. This perception of "speaking in unison" creates the "choral effect", thus becoming a stammering treatment that can reduce or even eliminate stuttering.
SpeechEasy has proven effective in thousands of users in various situations, such as:
- everyday conversations
- business conversations
- reading aloud
- telephone conversations
- speaking in public
The Process
Email melvynhowe@hearingcarecentre.co.uk or call us FREE on 0800 0962637
If trialing the SpeechEasy device we will arrange an initial consultation where you will:
· Have a short Hearing Test
· Try out the SpeechEasy device in the Centre
· Followed by a ‘Real Life’ evaluation around Ipswich
If you decide to purchase a SpeechEasy device, we will take an impression of your ear before making your custom-made SpeechEasy device.
The fitting will take place 3-4 weeks later where you will learn more about the device, care & maintenance.
You will have a trial period of one month to experience the results. If, during this month you decide that SpeechEasy is not the solution for you the device can be returned for a refund less a small deduction.
Further check-ups may be required during the fitting process. During these check-ups your experiences will be evaluated and the results optimised. SpeechEasy is individually adjustable. The DAF effect, or delay, can be lengthened or shortened if necessary. The FAF effect, or frequency, can also be raised or lowered if necessary. This ensures that each SpeechEasy device is adjusted to the user’s needs in order to achieve the best possible result.
Costs involved
Initial consultation and hearing assessment £25.00
Cost of custom made SpeechEasy device £3,050.00
After the test and delivery of your custom-made SpeechEasy device, you can always make an appointment for any adjustments or to ask questions. We will schedule annual check-ups with you. Any software updates will be installed automatically during these annual check-ups.
The SpeechEasy device comes with a 2-year guarantee. Should the device have a technical malfunction or a manufacturing fault, the device will be repaired free of charge.
