Thursday, July 19, 2007

SpeechEasy® for European Stammerers

Filed under: Neurology

SpeechEasy, an anti-stuttering device that functions via the echo effect is now available in Europe. This device has been quite a success in the US, as we previously reported (see flashbacks below).

SpeechEasy fluency devices are based on a natural phenomenon called the "Choral effect". The choral effect occurs when a person's stutter is dramatically reduced or even eliminated when they speak or sing in unison with others. This choral effect has been well documented for decades. However, it is only recently that scientist have been able to re-create it in a small, wearable device that can be used in everyday life.

SpeechEasy devices are worn similar to a hearing aid. However, rather than amplify sound, they use a technology called Altered Auditory Feedback (AAF) to re-create and optimize the choral effect. So when someone speaks while wearing a SpeechEasy device, their words are digitally replayed in their ear with a very slight delay and frequency modification. As a result, the brain preceives that it is speaking in unision' creates the choral effect, thus reducing or even elimination the stutter.

The device is distributed in the EU by MedSy (Medical Synapse) company out of The Netherlands.

Product page...

Press release: MedSy Launches Device in the UK to Help Stammerers Speak More Fluently ...

Flashbacks: SpeechEasy, Earpiece Hard ; On Stuttering

(hat tip: MTB Europe)

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