Part I of this story is here.
Have you ever heard a recording or a video of yourself and it takes you a second to get used to your voice? It doesn’t sound exactly the same as when you hear it coming out of your mouth, and this usually gives you pause.
That change in sound along with a slight delay in hearing it, allows the SpeechEasy* to perform its “magic”. Users of the device hear voices, especially their own, in an altered and delayed state.
SpeechEasy* is similar in appearance to a hearing aid. However, rather than amplifying sound, SpeechEasy* alters sounds that go through the device so that you hear your voice at a slight time delay and at a different pitch. The purpose of the delay and pitch change is to recreate a natural phenomenon known as the “choral effect.”
The choral effect occurs when you speak or sing in unison with others for those that stutter. Stuttering is dramatically reduced or even eliminated with the choral effect. Just think of how the famous country singer Mel Tillis sings perfectly, yet he stutters when he talks.
This choral effect has been well documented for decades and SpeechEasy* utilizes it in a small, wearable device that can be used in everyday life.
The SpeechEasy* is digitally programmable with special software for a wide range of settings of Delayed Auditory Feedback (DAF) and Frequency Altered Feedback (FAF).
The device comes in the following types:
•Behind The Ear (BTE)
•In the Canal (ITC)
•Completely In Canal (CIC)
•Comfort Fit (CF)
SpeechEasy* has been designated as “an air conduction anti-stammering device” and assigned to device FDA Class I. It is among those devices exempted from premarket notification [510(k)] and is not subject to premarket approval (PMA). SpeechEasy is registered and in full compliance with FDA general controls, requirements, and regulations.
The device is sold only after evaluation from a licensed and certified speech pathologist such as Deborah Boswell in our story. Janus Development group markets SpeechEasy*. Based in Greenville, North Carolina, Janus Development Group is dedicated to enhancing the lives of those with disabilities by coordinating the development of assistive living devices.
The Results for Hannah
After Hannah made her trip into the real world, wearing her new device, she and her parents were pleased as was speech therapist Deborah Boswell.
Now comes the point where the rubber hits the road – paying for the device. According to the www.speecheasy.com web site, the device ranges from $4100 to $5100. That is an enormous amount for the average family, even with payment options offered.
The Toby Banks Benefit Foundation Steps In
Toby Banks was the first recipient of the device in 2003 with funds raised from a benefit golf tournament. Toby, his parents, and friends that participated in the tournament all wanted to make this available to deserving individuals. The Toby Banks Benefit Foundation was formed as a non profit organization as a result.
Toby Banks holds device while speech therapist Deborah Boswell explains how it works at December 30, 2009 meeting.
The foundation has raised funds through their annual benefit golf tournament and awarded those funds to an individual in need of the SpeechEasy* device every year since 2003, including Hannah Rish for 2009.
Applications are taken each year for a deserving individual to receive the device. The foundation hopes to raise enough money in the future to fund more than one device each year. The recipient must pay for the speech therapy sessions that evaluate if they can use the device, and this gives both ownership and commitment to the individual and family in the process.
Miracles do happen and thoughtful people make them happen, like the members of the Toby Banks Benefit Foundation, shown below.
(L-R) Ed Shaw-Board Member, Tammy Womble-Board Member, Lisa Rish-Mother , Hannah Rish-2009 Recipient, John Rish-Father, Earline Banks-Board Member, Toby Banks, Debra Boswell-Speech Therapist, Donny Fulmer-Board Member, Gary Anderson- Board Member
As a publisher and journalist, I take a stance on issues when writing an editorial, but when reporting I aspire to remain neutral and report the facts. This story was amazing and I could not remain neutral, but make no mistake that this transformation was in fact – a miracle.
* SpeechEasy is a trademarked name
