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Posted by: Anne Morris ® 10/09/2002, 22:51:48 Author Profile Mail author |
Hello to all. I've just joined the bulletin board, mainly because I wanted to describe a portable voice amplifier that has been very helpful to me. Forgive me if this topic has been discussed before.(A search of the archives didn't turn up anything.)I've been receiving botox for about 13 years, and it's worked well for me. Recent treatments weren't effective, though, so my doctor changed his method from injecting one vocal chord to two. As a result,my voice was reduced to an inaudible whisper, and I was completely exhausted from the effort of talking. I searched on the internet for an amplifier and found the "ChatterVox," which I then researched and bought.It's a small device you wear around your waist or rest on a table, with a microphone you wear as a headset. Now I can go to just about any restaurant, and even my husband (who's deaf in one ear!) can hear me. Last week I attended a professional workshop of about 25 people in a large room, and was able to participate without a problem. Most of the web sites I turned up are stores selling the device. (Try using google.com and searching for "voice amplification" or "ChatterVox.") It wasn't available in Houston where I live. I ordered it from Alex Speech and Hearing (or something like that) in Austin. It isn't cheap -- I paid about $250 including tax -- but it was well worth it. --Anne Morris |
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Posted by: William Vanderlinde ® 10/10/2002, 09:48:39 Author Profile Mail author |
Hi Anne, Thanks for letting us know how helpful your voice amplifier has been. I also sometimes use an amplifier and find it very helpful. In fact, there have been a number of previous posts about voice amplifiers, but they might be difficult to find if you are not familiar with using the search feature on the BB. Here are links to two recent discussion threads about amplifiers: http://www.dystonia-bb.org/forums/sd/posts/10036.html
I'm sorry to hear that your recent injections haven't worked well. I hope you have better luck in the future. Best,
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Posted by: Larry Becnel ® 10/10/2002, 11:17:13 Author Profile Mail author |
Thanks, Anne, for the info. I did a google search using "ChatterVox Bruce" and got to the manufacturer's (Bruce's) web site. The device is on sale today. I, too, had both cords injected, and at a very high dose (30 units per side). My voice has been a whisper since, although friends and co-workers say that it is gradually sounding stronger. I think, however, that I will take your lead and try the ChatterVox. I am grateful for your post. Good luck to you. Larry |
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Posted by: Anne Morris ® 10/15/2002, 22:59:22 Author Profile Mail author |
Wow, you did have a high dose! Your doctor will reduce it, though, until it's at the proper level. You just have to be patient in the meantime. I found the ChatterVox had a liberating effect that was just wonderful. Without it, I was exhausted after speaking just a few sentences. That exhaustion almost completely disappeared after I started using it. I felt I'd won half the battle just by overcoming that incredible fatigue. I won the other half (well-- 49% anyway!)by making my whisper loud enough that I could be heard. . . . I'm sorry I didn't respond earlier. I have a hard time keeping up with everything I'm supposed to be doing! Please post again after you get your device. I'm interested in learning how it works for you. Anne |
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Posted by: John Brenner ® 10/11/2002, 16:46:51 Author Profile Mail author |
Ann, I agree. I got a chattervox about 2 weeks ago. It really does help project your voice quite a bit. My only problem is trying to decide between the headset or collar microphone (option that I got). I work in a business environment and I am trying to get comfortable using it. Still seems awkward and a little embarassing at first. I guess after awhile it will not be a problem. But definitely will take some time to get used to it. John
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Posted by: Larry Becnel ® 10/12/2002, 08:15:30 Author Profile Mail author |
I have not ordered my ChatterVox yet because I can't decide which mike to get. All three look as though they'd be clumsy to work with. I'm particularly concerned about which would be the easiest to use when speaking on the telephone. How does the collar model fare in that situation? Thanks. Larry AD/SD, New Orleans |
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Posted by: Anne Morris ® 10/15/2002, 23:20:07 Author Profile Mail author |
John, I had the same question and asked the salesperson what she recommended when I called to place the order. She advised me to get the headset, which I did, and I've been very happy with it. I simply move the mike away from my mouth if it gets in the way -- when I'm eating something, for instance. If you can afford it, you may want to go ahead and get the headset in addition to the one you already bought. I understand what you mean about the embarrassment, but I made a decision before I made the purchase that I'd get over that ASAP -- and I bet you have too by now. (I see your post was several days ago.) After all, the important thing is being able to communicate and if people look at me funny, it's simply a reflection on them. But I've found that very few people give me an odd look or a negative reaction. Just the opposite --Many people are intrigued. Some of them are simply curious and a lot of them, I think, are respectful and maybe a little impressed. A few weeks ago, when I introduced myself at a professional meeting, I also introduced my friend, "Mikey," and briefly explained its purpose. A little humor helped make everyone feel at ease, including me. Anne |
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Posted by: john s. beeman ® 10/11/2002, 20:59:20 Author Profile Mail author |
Anne: Thanks for your post. I've been pondering this decision for months. I had Dr. Berke's surgery at UCLA in June of 2000. My voice did not return. I need to do something and maybe it's time. Thanks for the "kick". John p.s. I ordered my Chattervox today. They have a 60 day return policy and they told me that I could exchange the microphone, too. I should get it by next Thursday and I'll let you know what my personal thoughts are. . .
--modified by john s. beeman at Sat, Oct 12, 2002, 08:19:54 |
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Posted by: Anne Morris ® 10/15/2002, 23:31:34 Author Profile Mail author |
I'm really eager to find out how you like it. It sounds like it's definitely time for you to do something, and with that return policy you can't lose. I don't think you'll want to return it, though! Another positive thing about the Chattervox, by the way, is that in the short time I've had it, 2 people were so excited when they saw it that they asked me for the details on how to find it and get it for themselves or someone in their family. It was a great feeling to know that just by wearing it in public, I'd helped some other people. Anne |
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Posted by: vici forsyth ® 10/12/2002, 09:18:37 Author Profile Mail author |
I have a couple of questions for those of you who own Chattervox: Which style of microphone works the best for you? Has your medical insurance paid for it as "durable medical equipment"? Vici ABSD |
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Posted by: Sherry A. Kjellberg ® 10/12/2002, 13:00:37 Author Profile Mail author |
I ordered the High Gain Headband Mic ($85.00/Luminaud). It has 3-ways to adjust (over top of head, back of head, around neck), with flexible microphone. I like it very much and the ability to flex the mic for the situation your in is a nice feature. Goes with the ChatterVox. I also ordered a Walker handset amplifier for my telephone. (Replaces the normal phone handset and is easy to adjust with thumb.) That's pretty nifty, too. Was about $45.00. I don't know yet if insurance is going to reimburse me. The doctor is writing a letter of need, etc. So much depends on the type of insurance coverage one has. -Sherry/Denver/Mixed |
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Posted by: Anne Morris ® 10/15/2002, 23:42:08 Author Profile Mail author |
Vici, I don't know about the insurance, as I didn't feel I could wait the many weeks, possibly months, the insurance co. would take to review the request. I do know, however, that in Texas at least, it's quite possible that the Texas Rehabilitation Commission will pay for the Chattervox and other assistive devices. The salesperson (or store owner) who sold me my Chattervox explained this to me and sent me a form to have my doctor fill out in case I decide I want to buy a special telephone. If I return the completed form to her, she will see that it's processed for payment. It takes several months, though. In any case, other states probably have an agency similar to the Texas Rehab Commission (TRC), and they might pay for the Chattervox. . . . The TRC was a lifesaver for me when I was struggling with my voice in the years before I was diagnosed. It paid for years of speech therapy. Anne |
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