Voice Aerobics and the SpeechVive Device
SpeechVive Speech Aid Device Now Medicare Approved
SpeechVive is a small, portable device designed to improve speech and voice production in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. The programmable device is worn behind the ear similar to a hearing aid. When the user speaks, background noise plays in their ear, acting upon a reflex, which causes them to speak louder. Because the device does not require training, it can be successfully used by persons with mild cognitive impairment or reduced memory. Patients, who have completed other forms of speech and voice treatment, including the LSVT® or Speak OUT! are still candidates for a trial.
SpeechVive was designed to improve vocal loudness and/or speech clarity in patients with hypophonia, a common motor speech symptom in patients diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and related diagnosis. Research conducted by the SpeechVive inventor, Jessica Huber, SLP, PhD, demonstrated that over 80% of patients showed immediate improvement in speech from simply wearing the device for the first time.
Voice Aerobics, private practice provides in-person evaluation and trial of the SpeechVive device. Payment for Speech Vive is available through the Veterans Administration and also reimbursable by Medicare.
If you would like to know more or request an in-office trial of Speech-Vive:
Call: 941-204-1515, email using the contact link on the website, or ask your physician to fax an order to: Voice Aerobics 941-296-7471.
To learn more about SpeechVive or to complete an online trial visit their website:https://speechvive.com
The SpeechVive device works by detecting when a patient speaks, and at that time, the device plays a background noise in one of the patient’s ears, which is an autonomous cue to elicit louder speech, through the Lombard Effect. The Lombard Effect is a well known phenomenon where speakers naturally speak louder under conditions of background noise. When the patient is not speaking, SpeechVive™ does not deliver babble noise to the ear.
Clinical trials at Purdue University indicate hypophonic patients respond to the Lombard Effect with improved speech clarity and increased vocal loudness, creating an opportunity for a new treatment option for patients with PD. This treatment differs from existing speech therapy approaches in that it takes place during daily living activities, outside of what could be considered “traditional” delivery paradigms. The device allows patients to obtain treatment effects through everyday occurrences, without needing to remember to self-cue, which may be an advantage for patients with concomitant memory problems. Desensitization to the device masking cue has not been observed.
Are you a Veteran?
SpeechVive’s clinical services team provides training and education to VA clinicians, and equips them with the tools needed to prescribe a SpeechVive device.
Learn more at: speechvive.com