What is the SpeechEasy fluency enhancing device?

SpeechEasy is a fully portable and inconspicuous fluency enhancing device for people who stutter. It is a prosthetic device that fits in or behind the ear.
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Who developed the SpeechEasy fluency enhancing device?

The impetus for developing SpeechEasy stemmed from research conducted within the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at East Carolina University. Its conception was based on 10 years of peer-reviewed scientific research on the fluency enhancing effects of altered auditory feedback in people who stutter. East Carolina University has licensed the right to distribute SpeechEasy to Janus Development Group, Inc.
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What is Altered Auditory Feedback (AAF)?

Altered Auditory Feedback (AAF) simply means hearing your own voice in a manner that is slightly different from the way you normally hear it. It allows the SpeechEasy user to listen to his or her own voice with a combination of Delayed Auditory Feedback (DAF) and Frequency Altered Feedback (FAF). Using DAF allows the user to hear his or her own voice with a slight delay, similar to an echo. FAF allows the user to hear his or her own voice with a shift in the pitch, so the signal heard is either at a slightly higher or slightly lower pitch than the users own voice.
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How do delayed auditory feedback (DAF) and frequency altered feedback (FAF) help people who stutter become more fluent?

For years, it has been known that when people who stutter speak the same material in unison with another speaker, they become fluent. This is known as 'Choral Speech'. By allowing the user to hear his or her own voice with a pitch shift and a slight time delay, SpeechEasy creates the illusion of another speaker speaking at the same time. It is an emulation of choral speech.
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What evidence is there of the fluency enhancing effects of delayed auditory feedback (DAF) and frequency altered feedback (FAF)?

Ten years of scientific research conducted at Dalhousie University and East Carolina University have shown that the use of DAF and FAF can significantly enhance fluency levels in a variety of situations including reading, monologue, using the telephone and speaking in front of an audience. This research has been published in top scientific journals. (Please refer to the Links/References section of the website.)
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Does the SpeechEasy fluency device slow down my rate of speech?

The use of DAF with people who stutter has been around for 50 years; but in the early days, long delays of 200 ms and higher induced slower speaking rates which were thought to be responsible for the higher fluency levels attained. Since then it has been found that DAF enhances fluency at much smaller delays (50 - 100 ms), and even at delays as minimal as 25 ms, without a decrease in speech rate. Furthermore, DAF has been shown to enhance fluency even when speaking at fast rates. (Please refer to the Links/References section of the website.)
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If altered auditory feedback (AAF) has been around for so long, why has it taken so long for SpeechEasy to become available?

The use of altered auditory feedback (AAF) in helping people who stutter become more fluent remained essentially a clinical challenge for such a long time due to the large bulky devices that were used to provide the effects. Only with recent technological advances have these effects been captured in a device so small and inconspicuous, allowing them to be used outside of clinical environments.
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How did the SpeechEasy fluency device technology come about?

Upon request from SpeechEasy's parent company, Janus Development Group, a Canadian based company developed both the algorithm and the hardware which power the SpeechEasy fluency device. SpeechEasy employs some of the most advanced digital technology on the market.
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How long has SpeechEasy fluency device been around?

The first prototypes of the SpeechEasy fluency device were completed in April 2001. Since then Dr. Joseph Kalinowski (one of the inventors and himself a person who stutters) has been using SpeechEasy to help him communicate, and finds the device invaluable. Sales of SpeechEasy began in June 2001.
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Who markets SpeechEasy?

SpeechEasy is manufactured and marketed by Janus Development Group, Inc., based in Greenville, NC. (www.janusdevelopment.com) Janus Development Group employs a network of wholesale distributors to manage respective territories and to set up providing SLPs within those territories.

What models of SpeechEasy are available?

As of February 2005, SpeechEasy comes in one model. It is equivalent to the SpeechEasy Advanced when two models were offered. Prior to February 2005, the Basic model was an updated version of our original SpeechEasy product which we first offered to the public in June 2001. The SpeechEasy is our latest model, and integrates several new pieces of technology into an already effective fluency tool. The combination of these new technologies and the availability of added options make this model highly user-friendly and more comfortable for the client.
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What shell styles of SpeechEasy are available?

SpeechEasy comes in three shell styles. The Behind-The-Ear (BTE) is an external device that fits over the ear and attaches to a mold that fits in the ear. This is the largest and most durable of the devices. The second is an In-The-Canal (ITC) style. This style fits in the ear canal and is relatively inconspicuous, with the outer shell visible in the ear. The ITC comes standard with an external volume control. The third style is the Completely-In-Canal (CIC), which sits completely in the ear canal. It is the most inconspicuous, and can be ordered with an external volume control as an added feature. It is important to note that depending on the size of the ear canal itself, not all customers are candidates for CIC devices.
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Which shell style is best?

There are different advantages associated with each shell style. For those who want the device to be as inconspicuous as possible, obviously the CIC appears to be the best option. If added features are preferred, such as an optional second memory button or a standard external volume control, the ITC may be the best choice. Finally there are times where dexterity and/or durability are the deciding factor and a BTE is the most suitable option.
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What are frequency-shaping bands and what do they do?

The programming software used to configure the settings on a SpeechEasy device (amount of delay, frequency pitch, etc.) also contains a set of frequency-shaping bands, similar to a graphic equalizer. Each frequency-shaping band represents an area of 'resolution' within the range of sound.
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How does the Intelligent Noise Attenuation Strategy™ (INAS) work?

INAS enables SpeechEasy to analyze incoming sound for information content, like speech, and instantly accentuates the frequency ranges associated with these sounds. At the same time, it reduces the volume of frequency ranges that contain noise. The end result of this technology is that the user experiences less distracting background noise and can wear his/her SpeechEasy with greater comfort.
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How does the Effective Voice Activation Technology™ (EVAT) work?

This feature is based on the strength and distance of sound waves. Stronger waves (from closer sources) are used to activate the SpeechEasy device, while weaker sounds (from more distant sources) are muted.
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What are the benefits of having an external volume control?

A SpeechEasy device fitted with an external volume control can be adjusted manually by the user without the intervention of a providing SLP. The added convenience of this feature can be extremely valuable in noisy situations.
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What is the second memory option and why would I need it?

Some SpeechEasy users may need different setups for different environments. For example, some users find the setup of a 75ms delay time useful under normal conditions, but may need a longer delay when speaking publicly. With the dual memory option, you only have to switch from one memory to the other to meet your needs.
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How is SpeechEasy programmed?

Our trained professionals program SpeechEasy by using a personal computer and SpeechMaster software. DAF can be programmed from 25 to 220ms, and FAF can be set at 500, 1000, 1500 or 2000 Hz shifts up or down. An internal volume can also be programmed with an adjustment for eight frequency channels (sixteen for Advanced) to produce the best signal. With this flexibility, SpeechEasy can be programmed to match the needs of most individuals who stutter.
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What is the advantage of having a SpeechEasy which is upgradeable?

In an effort to foresee upcoming technological changes, our SpeechEasy was designed and created on a digital platform which allows for upgrading the device by simply updating its software. Customers who purchase a new SpeechEasy, or for those that have a SpeechEasy Advanced, will be offered these software upgrades as they become available (an additional fee may be charged for this service at that time).
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As the volume can be controlled, can SpeechEasy damage my hearing?

No. SpeechEasy is not designed to provide enough volume to damage hearing. It employs special circuitry which compresses loud sound signals to a comfortable hearing level - thus ensuring the safety of your hearing.
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Do I need to wear a SpeechEasy device in both ears?

Research has shown that fluency enhancement derived from receiving the effects binaurally (in both ears) is the most effective. It should be noted, however, that monaural (one ear) effects significantly inhibit stuttering frequency compared to non-altered auditory feedback. At present we recommend SpeechEasy for monaural use, and results from over two thousand users suggest that the effects are robust enough not to warrant binaural use.
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How do I know SpeechEasy will fit my ear?

Each SpeechEasy device is custom fit to an individual's ear canal. An Audiologist takes an ear mold impression and the device is custom made for an individual using the impression of his/her ear.

How effective is SpeechEasy?

Preliminary, empirical data collected from thousands of users shows that the vast majority of those who have tried the device have shown a marked improvement in their fluency level. This level of fluency improvement varies for each individual user, and depends on a number of internal and external factors. Janus Development Group, Inc. is currently initiating efficacy studies at a number of prestigious research institutions, which will serve to validate our findings.
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Do males and females respond differently?

No differences have been observed in the effectiveness of SpeechEasy across genders.
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Will I become fluent immediately?

Some people are especially susceptible to the effects of AAF and seem to become fluent shortly after inserting the SpeechEasy device. However, some people require minimal training to derive the best benefits. During the assessment, the SpeechEasy provider will train the user over a period of about three hours in order to derive the best benefits and maximize fluency. Within the following few weeks, most users become comfortable using the device and see a continual enhancement of fluency.
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Will SpeechEasy cure stuttering?

SpeechEasy is NOT a cure for stuttering. We compare using the device to wearing glasses. The effects are present while the device is in use and absent upon removal of the device. Some users report 'carry-over' fluency, meaning that their fluency persists for some time after removal of SpeechEasy. However, no data exists to support this notion, and it is recommended that users of SpeechEasy wear the device as often as possible to get the best effects.
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Do the effects of SpeechEasy wear off?

Many people who stutter complain about relapse following traditional therapy, and this is an understandable concern. To date, no one has complained about 'adapting' to the effects supplied by SpeechEasy, when AAF is correctly applied. On the contrary, most people who use SpeechEasy claim that as they get accustomed to the device and learn to integrate the signal, their fluency levels seem to continue to improve.
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Is there scientific evidence to support the long-term benefits of SpeechEasy?

Ten years of research have been conducted to test the effects of AAF, but because the SpeechEasy is relatively new, only one study has been reported. Other studies are underway.
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Is SpeechEasy an alternative to stuttering therapy?

SpeechEasy may be viewed as an alternative or adjunct to stuttering therapy. Some users require no further training when using SpeechEasy, and some require minimal training. People who have learned traditional therapy techniques and employ them when using SpeechEasy report much higher levels of fluency enhancement and more natural sounding speech when using SpeechEasy.

How do I get a SpeechEasy device?

The first step is to contact the SpeechEasy provider closest to you. This device is still relatively new and Janus Development Group, Inc. is in the process of setting up authorized dispensers who are certified Speech Language Pathologists across the country and around the world. Your local provider will be able to schedule an appointment and evaluation to use the SpeechEasy device.
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What does the evaluation involve?

The evaluation consists of a basic stuttering evaluation, followed by testing of a SpeechEasy demonstration model under various settings and during different speech tasks.
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What's the next step?

If a person decides that he or she likes the effects and chooses to purchase SpeechEasy, an ear mold impression and a hearing evaluation need to be taken by an Audiologist. The ear mold impression is then sent to a shell lab for custom assembly of the device. (NOTE: Due to time constraints, some providers may prefer that their clients see an Audiologist ahead of time, and bring the hearing evaluation and ear mold impression to their SpeechEasy evaluation appointment. This can serve to speed up the overall process.)
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Why do I need a hearing evaluation?

SpeechEasy is not a hearing aid and is not designed or intended to compensate for a hearing loss. If a hearing evaluation indicates a loss in one or both ears, your provider will discuss any options you may have for using a SpeechEasy.
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How long will it be until I receive my custom SpeechEasy device?

Devices currently take 3 weeks to manufacture, once Janus Development Group, Inc. has received your order.
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What are my payment options?

Payment options will vary, depending on the wholesaler representing the territory and the payment terms they currently offer. Most now offer credit card payments and financing options, in addition to accepting personal checks.
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What if I purchase a SpeechEasy, but I am not satisfied with the benefits?

We feel confident that SpeechEasy is a revolutionary product, and to this end we offer a 60-day money back guarantee on all SpeechEasy devices. Should you decide within 60 days of receiving your device that SpeechEasy is not right for you - for any reason - you may return it to your dispenser for a 90% refund of the retail price. (10% is retained to offset unrecoverable expenses associated with the manufacture of a customized device.)
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Will medical insurance cover SpeechEasy?

Due to the number of variables associated with medical insurance (provider, amount of coverage, state where located, etc.), it is highly recommended that each customer make it his/her responsibility to explore this method of payment. Janus Development Group, Inc. is doing everything possible to encourage insurance providers to assist payment for our device, but at the present time we are not having a great deal of success. It is suggested that potential customers contact their own insurance companies for information regarding coverage.
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Are there other sources of financial assistance?

Please check with Vocational Rehabilitation Services, VA benefits, Flexible Spending Plans through your employer, civic organizations, community organizations, and foundations.