Posted by: BonnieBelle ®
05/27/2006, 17:52:04
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I used a voice amplifier along with vocal therapy. My voice has returned to the conversation tone capacity. AD/SD symptoms are strongest when I try to speak loudly.After resigning from my office job in 2000, I finally found work two years later as a pressbrake operator. Our local vocational rehabilitative service agent was instrumental in helping me to acquire this equipment. The equipment fit into this pouch that looks like a slender, oblong, bike bag. It was not unsightly at all. At least, not to me. I didn't think I would like it. It turned out to be a real buddy for me. I had fun with it at work, especially, when a worker was trying to get the attention of another. The environment was such where you needed earplugs at all times. So, my equipment came in handy for non-SDers at work. I didn't use it at home. Many of my co-workers were happy for me to have such help, and I was happy for them to be able to hear me without effort. I still have my amplifier. The cord on the headset has been frayed by the metal I handled. The first night without it (I worked third shift), I used the company PA system because no one was around to assist me, and I wanted to keep production rolling. Word got around the plant fast. I was finally able to feel like I could pull my own weight as it relates to the use of the company's PA system. I would have loved to have had the equipment that amplified a whisper. The agency's vendor list did not indicate the manufacturer of that product. So, they were not authorized to buy it. This is my first time hearing of glory be in your post. I wish you much success in teaching your workshops. I understand there is a special microphone for people with communicative problems. I did not do a lot of research on it after finding my system. However, I do anticipate speaking engagements myself, and I may still look into getting a whole setup just in case the ADSD symptoms surface unexpectedly the way they did during my class presentations.
Again, much success to you, g. Bonnie Simmons
AD/SD 1999
Vocal Therapy
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Posted by: Kelly Jean ®
05/28/2006, 13:15:16
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I have the Chatter Vox. It has worked well for my needs. The headset is a bit bulky. I wish the microphone weren't so large. So many people are wearing their cell phones this way now that people assume it is a phone. The part that goes around your waist is a bit ugly. It is gray. I have a fanny pack that I thought I would put it in that is black but you need to have nothing in front of it so it isn't muffled. When I am sitting at a table I just lay it on the table pointed toward those who need to hear. My voice is pretty good right now and I haven't been using it at all. Once people get used to you using it they will ask where it is when you aren't. I've also found that some people are more comfortable asking for the volume to be increased when I have it then asking me to repeat things or try to speak more loudly when I don't. It seems to remove a barrier that way. Often, when a lot of people are over I will increase the volume to "yell" for the kids to come to where we are and everyone always laughs. Kelly Jean AD/SD
Colorado
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Posted by: gol ®
05/29/2006, 00:50:14
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thank you both BonnieBelle and Kelly Jean for your thoughtful replies. I think voice amplification will enhance the quality of my life. I just need to get over the "image" thing. when I was teaching school ,I used it for lectures and I was able to extend my teaching life for a few years. and in that setting it seemed easy, Once the students learned that I use a michrophone, they accepted it adn that was that. but for personal use, it still emotionally feels a little uncomfortable. so thanks for the encouragement. I will post which model I decide on.
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Posted by: Bonniebelle ®
05/30/2006, 19:19:01
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You're welcome! I just hope you are comfortable with the product you choose. That's what counts the most because your voice will reflect confidence or lack of confidence. There is another amplifier product geared toward SD sufferers. This was the product I wanted, but it wasn't on the vendor list of the agency that helped me get, what I call, my personal PA system. Another quick note. I had my amplifier system for a little over a week before I actually took it to work with me. Though I was excited about getting the equipment, when it finally arrived, I guess I was in kind of a culture shock going from being to speak freely to needing assistance from equipment. Everday I "practiced" with the system. I guess I needed time to adjust to the change SD caused in my life. Much success to you, g! Bonnie Simmons
AD/SD 1999
Vocal Therapy (Link removed per Bulletin Board Rules)
Modified by Moderator-WB at Wed, May 31, 2006, 05:42:51
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Posted by: cela ®
05/29/2006, 10:16:21
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Hi. I don't know if this will help or not, but for what it's worth, I'll post the process I went through.
I'm a teacher and my voice was getting more and more strained, so the first recommendation I got was to go to Radio Shack. There I picked up a kareoke machine, but the amps were so low, it was of little use. Then I went to a teacher supply store, and used a system called Voice Saver (the larger model). After 2 days the microphone stopped working. I exchanged it for another one, and the same thing happened. I finally ended up at a guitar store. There I got a small portable amp (they have every size available to suit your purposes), along with a headset microphone (the type they use to teach aerobics), and it works quite well.
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Posted by: gol ®
05/30/2006, 15:20:00
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thanks cela,Yes you information is very helpful.do you happen to know the brand you are using and the price and weight. do you think the voice amplification is strong enough for outside use? g
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Posted by: cela ®
06/04/2006, 12:03:19
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The amplifier is by Honeytone. It is very small and has a retro look to it. It is normally used as a guitar amp (and can be clipped on a belt) but, believe it or not, is loud enough for a classroom. Outdoor use would probably be pushing it, but they did have larger amps at the guitar store that would work for outside. My amp was on sale for $20. The microphone, on the other hand, and I don't know the name brand on that one, was $99. It's one that aerobic instructors used and is a headset. I could've also gotten a hand held one, as long as I had an adapter to fit into the amp.
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Posted by: steveweiss ®
06/04/2006, 19:09:53
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I have a compact, useful voice amplifier I got from Saltillo Corporation, they're on the internet, may be saltillo.com. It was about $600 but well worth it to me as when I use it it's generally for work. Steve Weiss
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Posted by: gol ®
06/05/2006, 21:09:22
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thank you all so very much. I am still researching and comparing notes. You have been most helpful. 600 is on the high end. I wonder how much difference there is in voice quality to a 150 dollar one. hard to know unless you try them both side by side. g
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Posted by: Estera ®
06/06/2006, 16:41:42
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Hi. I'm still not diagnosed, maybe with SD, but wanted to join because I could also use a microphone or voice amplifying device too so I'm glad that these ideas are here so I can look back for ideas. I did once use a microphone and it made some difference but didnt help completely because then my whispery voice was just louder but still not totally able to be understood by everyone. but this was a room amplified device so not something I could buy anyway. If someone finds one that is good for under $200 please e-mail me. Thanks. Estera. (esterandjason@yahoo.com)
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Posted by: Marilyn M. ®
09/24/2006, 07:25:57
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Hi! I haven't posted for a while, but I thought I would come to this forum for input on wireless mics and speakers. I am an elementary music teacher and I find that I really like using voice amplification in my classes, especially when giving instruction over a recording (like dance steps) or when trying to gain attention.I have used a Mipro (I think the word is a combination of the words "mic" and "professional," thus pronounced "my pro") The only problem I have had is with the sound "cutting out" sometimes. It is a problem I never got really resolved. I think the problem may have been that the headset mic I used was from a different brand and I had to use an adapter... I think that, but I'm not sure. It has been so long since I bought it the battery will no longer charge, so I'm thinking of starting over with another unit. And this time I will get the right headset mic. BTW, I never had success with the lapel mic that came with the unit; too much feedback. I find I need a mic right by my mouth. I just found a website for the Mipro systems. It is: http://www.avlex.com/mipro_products.html The unit I purchased is model MA 101. I am thinking of buying it again or just getting a replacement battery. They also have a unit on wheels that looks pretty good. I am thinking about getting the beige colored headset mic MU-55HNX. If anyone knows of other mic and speaker options for a teacher, please answer this post. Thank you. Marilyn aka MarilTX (Please note new email address)
Related link: http://www.avlex.com/mipro_products.html
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