SpeechEasyä
A True Fluency Device

Frequently Asked Questions

The SpeechEasyä is the most technologically advanced treatment for stuttering. It is small enough to fit completely in the ear canal, yet uses and advanced microprocessor that has all the power of a desktop computer.

The SpeechEasyä is digitally programmable with special computer software for a wide range of settings of Delayed Auditory Feedback(DAF) and Frequency Altered Feedback(FAF). Our staff is trained to assess and program various combinations of DAF/FAF into the device until maximum fluency is achieved.

Here at Speech, Hearing and Learning Center, we provide a comprehensive SpeechEasyä evaluation. We offer both speech and audiological services in one, three-hour evaluation. This evaluation also qualifies the client for a free pick up appointment for fitting and education on use/maintenance of the device. One free follow up visit for a consultation (for purchased device) is available as well.

Research:

Ten years of research conducted by The Stuttering Research Lab, East Carolina University.

Philosophy:

For years, it has been known that people who stutter tend to become more fluent when they speak in unison with another person. This phenomenon, know as "choral speech", can be seen when a person who stutters becomes more fluent while singing in a choir or reciting the Pledge of Allegiance with others.

Through the use of Delayed Auditory Feedback(DAF) and Frequency Altered Feedback(FAF), SpeechEasyä effectively creates the illusion of another person speaking in unison with the user. By emulating this "choral speech" pattern, 80-95% of people who stutter become 50-95% more fluent with the SpeechEasyä.

Appearance:

SpeechEasyä resembles a hearing aid. It is available in In-the-Canal, Completely-In-the-Canal and Behind-the Ear models. The device has no cumbersome equipment, and is virtually unnoticeable when worn in the ear canal.

Effectiveness:

1. The SpeechEasyä is intended to provide beneficial effects for those individuals with fluency disorder. Individuals may experience reduce frequency of hesitations, blocks, repetitions and prolongations of speech.
2. The long-term effects of the device are not known at this time, due to the experimental nature of the device and its recent introduction and availability to the general population.
3. Relapse in not expected because one has not been shown to adapt to choral speech. If one does, the FAF or DAF may be altered.
4. A speaker should wear the SpeechEasyä as often as possible initially to become adjusted to the device.
5. Some people notice a carry-over effect (fluent speech when not wearing the device); others do not. It is recommended that it be worn whenever one is in speaking situation in which they want to be fluent.
6. Fluency therapy is often recommended to maximize the successfulness of the device. SpeechEasyä requires voicing in order to work. Fluency therapy can help a person work through blocks in order to achieve voicing enabling the device to work. Fluency therapy can also help a person work through difficult situations such as using the telephone.
7. 80-95% of people who stutter will become 50-95% more fluent while using the SpeechEasyä.
8. There has been less that a 10% return rate on the SpeechEasyä.

Audiological Concerns:

Most individuals wearing this device will have normal hearing sensitivity. Although the device is not a hearing aid, it does provide a small amount of gain or amplification so that speech may be processed effectively and provide the benefits for increased fluency. With the smallest of these devices, (completely-in-the-canal - "CIC" unit) a moderately loud signal will occur with each time the device is inserted/removed from the ear. This only occurs with the CIC unit without a manual volume control.

The minimal risks associated with the SpeechEasyä are: possible decrease in hearing sensitivity (only CIC units without manual volume control) and inflammation, irritation, fungus of the ear canal. Steps to reduce risks include test of hearing sensitivity prior to ordering device and periodic check to determine any change in hearing from the baseline audiogram. Any discomfort during the making of the ear impression or wearing of the device should be reported immediately to the examiner. In extreme cases, use of the device may need to be discontinued.

Population:

1. Since its premier in April 2001, over 2000 people are using the SpeechEasyä.
2. People ages 7 to late 60’s have purchased the device.

SpeechEasyä Evaluation, Fitting and Follow Up Procedures Through The Speech, Hearing & Learning Center:

1. Fluency evaluation. Discussion of therapy options including SpeechEasyä.
2. If client chooses to pursue treatment involving SpeechEasyä:
1. SpeechEasyä Fitting
2. Hearing Evaluation
3. Ear mold impression
4. Pick up appointment for custom SpeechEasyä
5. Fluency therapy scheduled if appropriate
3. Ear mold impression sent to Janus Development Group to be made into device.
4. Device sent to SHLC for programming.
5. Appointment for final programming and fitting of customized device (pick up).
6. Follow-up appointments as needed.

Device Cost and Warranty information, from the Janus Development Group, Inc.:

1. SpeechEasyä In-The-Canal: BASIC $4000.00 ADVANCED $4,400.00
2. SpeechEasyä Completely-In-The-Canal: BASIC $4500.00 ADVANCED $$4,900.00
3. Additional Features: External Volume Control (CIC) $200.00, Second Memory (ITC & BTE) $500.00, Soft Custom Ear Mold (BTE) $100.00
4. 100% of the purchase price, payable Janus Development Group, is due at the time of purchase/evaluation. CHECK ONLY
5. There will be a full year of warranty on mechanical defect, meaning Janus Development Group, Inc. will repair or replace as necessary at no charge. In addition, there will be a limited money-back satisfaction guarantee regarding your satisfaction with the device as follows: Janus Development Group, Inc. will refund 90% of the purchase price of the device if it is returned undamaged within 30 days of the date of purchase. "Date of Purchase" (DOP) is the date of final programming and fitting of the customized device, or one week from the date-of-mailing if device is mailed to client. There will be no cash refund after 30 days from Date of Purchase.

Speech, Hearing and Learning Center, Inc.:

The cost incurred at the Speech, Hearing and Learning Center, Inc. are separate from the cost of the device.

1. Fluency evaluation with SpeechEasyä fitting: $250.00.
2. Audiological screening: $20.00 / Audiological evaluation: $75.00.
3. Ear mold impression: $30.00.
4. Free appointment for final programming and fitting of customized device (pick up).
5. One adjustment/upgrade at no charge within the first year.
6. Individual, weekly, 30-minute therapy sessions: $45.00.
7. Payment options include cash, check (certified check only if out of state), MC/Visa only.
8. United Way Fee Subsidy may be possible for people who work or reside in Greenville County, S.C.

Additional Audiological Products and Services:

1. Professional Fee for cleaning of device: $25.00
2. Professional Fee for removal of wax in the ear canal: $30.00
3. Drying Kits
1. Dry Aid Kit: $15.95
2. Global Dry and Store Unit: $120.00
4. Battery Club (20% discount) 10 packs for $42.00
5. Battery per Pack: $4.95

At this time we are not able to file insurance claims, or accept assignment of insurance benefits as payment for the device. Payment for services is respectfully requested at the time services are rendered. We will provide all necessary documentation within our scope of practice to facilitate these claims, but claim filing is the responsibility of the patient.

Pricing Matrix

Contacts:

The Speech, Hearing and Learning Center, Inc. David C. Pence, MA, CCC-SLP Jodi L. Kirchner, MA, CCC-SLP Allison Wahl, MS, CCC-SLP 29 North Academy Street Greenville, SC 29601 (864) 331-1400 Email: allison.wahl@cdservices.org URL: www.shlcgreenville.org

Janus Development Group, Inc. Alan Newton Technology Enterprise Center of Eastern Carolina 1800 North Greene Street Greenville, NC 27835 (252) 551-9042 Email: customerserv@janusdevelopment.com URL: www.speecheasy.com