This is the email I rec’d from Audeo a few months ago:

 

Margaret:

 

What is being transmitted: the signal that the brain sends to the vocal cords to move (make sound). So, there does need to be some activity in the muscles (that is the signal) that control the vocal cords. In other words, a patient cannot simply think of what they want to say but actually attempt to say it. You can try and put your fingers just to the patient's left of their voice box (Adam's Apple). Have the patient attempt to say something. No sound (residual speech) needs to be produced . If you can feel some movement on your fingers, it is likely the device will work.

 

Beta Testers: We are still preparing for testing. We are very limited to testing patients who are close to us. We are located in east central Illinois. Our first phase of development was just successfully tested on Augie Nieto in California. However, we still have some work to do. Each patient will need to go through a testing/trial and referral process with their health care professional/therapist before buying a device independently.

 

I hope this helps! Thanks!

Kimberly Beals

 

Hi Kimberly-

Thanks for your response- I appreciate it.

 

Would it be possible to ask some questions about the Audeo? There were some things I wasn't clear about.

 

1. I wasn't clear about exactly what was being transmitted. 

 

If a person has advanced stage ALS, and most of the nerves and muscles for speech are atrophied (and essentially dead) would the Audeo still work?

 

2. Are you currently using any beta testers?

 

3.  Does the person still have to have some residual speech in order for the device to work?

 

Thanks for your help with this-

 

Margaret Cotts, MA, ATP

 

 

Margaret Cotts

 

 

Hey Alisa –

 

I have heard similar comments from several of our ALS patients.  The technology sounds exciting but I am concerned that their claims may be misleading.  To that end, I have emailed the folks at The Audeo requesting additional information.   Thus far, I have received one email back – it is attached. 

Supposedly, it will be available to a limited number of ALS patients in the US in December of this year.  I am not sure how those patients will be chosen.  Here’s an ALSTDI forum link with some info: http://www.als.net/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=3310

 

Keep me in the loop and I’ll be sure to do the same!

 

Amy

 

 

The reason that I am asking the question about the Audeo is that information is flying through the internet and chat rooms that this technology is about to become available to the ALS market.   The intrepretation that PALS and families have is that they will think a thought and the Audeo will project that thought through the larynex and the sound will clearly come out.    Here is a quote from the company's web site:   The Audeo is being developed to create a human-computer interface for communication without the need of physical motor control or speech production. Using signal processing, unpronounced speech representing the thought of the mind can be translated from intercepted neurological signals.   By interfacing near the source of vocal production, the Audeo has the potential to restore communication to people who are unable to speak. The proposed solution is a featherweight wireless device resting over the vocal cords capable of transmitting neurological information from the brain. Using data analysis, this information can be processed into synthesized speech or a menu selection capable of conveying the basic necessities of human life. Current Applications of the Audeo: Speech – After a recent breakthrough, we have developed a method to exceed individual words and have shown the ability to produce continuous speech with high accuracy from the neurological signals.   I appreciate any help from the SLP's that are on this list!   Thanks, Alisa   Alisa Brownlee, ATP Clinical Manager, Assistive Technology Services ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) Association, Greater Philadelphia Chapter   Assistive Technology Consultant, ALS Association, National Office Direct Phone Number: 215-631-1877

 

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