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

 

Amy Wright, MCD, CCC-SLP

Speech Therapy Coordinator

Carolinas Neuromuscular/ALS Center

(704) 355-0867

From: xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Alisa Brownlee
Sent: Friday, October 24, 2008 10:55 AM
To: ALSA Listserv
Subject: [Assistive Technology] more info on previous email

 

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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From: Ambient [xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2008 6:29 AM
To: Wright, Amy; xxxxxx@xxxxxxxxx
Subject: RE: Try out Form

Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Yellow

Dear Amy:

Thank you for interest in the Audeo. We appreciate your time in helping us find the best solutions for furthering our public service missions. It is very important to our researach and development that we hear from as many people as possible regarding the various applications.

Currently, we are still in in the development phase for the Audeo communication device specifically for ALS patients. Right now we are limited to patient testing with those located close to us (we are located in Urbana, Illinois). The product is scheduled for national availability to health care professionals by the end of this year with public purchasing following soon after in early 2009.

Due to limited resources while we expand our team and site we cannot commit to all testing requests. There is no formula we use in selecting those for testing. If we think you would be a good candidate and you can make it to our site reasonably, we will contact you for testing. The test lasts about one hour and is for research purposes only.

We appreciate your time and efforts for wanting to work with us. Regardless of whether you are selected for testing, we will try to keep you as updated as possible for when and where the device will be available in your area.

Please don't hesitate to let us know if you have any questions. Also, if you have information that you think could help development (certain characteristics of your condition and others you know, etc.) please send us a detailed email with those thoughts and suggestions. We truly appreciate all the help from patients and caregivers that we can.

Your information will automatically enter our database so we can inform you of any important changes and upcoming launches. You can also visit our website at www.theaudeo.com for the lastest news.

Thank you,
Kimberly