About SpeechEasy

What is SpeechEasy?

SpeechEasy is a patented stuttering inhibiting device. It is a prosthetic device with digital technology that delivers Delayed Auditory Feedback (DAF) and/or Frequency Altered Feedback (FAF). This feedback has the effect of inhibiting stuttering and facilitating fluency while SpeechEasy is worn. Based on “choral speech”, SpeechEasy creates the illusion of speaking in unison with someone else. It is available in five styles: the inconspicuous and cosmetically appealing Completely-in-the Canal (CIC), the open-ear acoustics Comfort Fit (CF), the practical and easy-to-handle In-The-Canal (ITC) and Behind-The-Ear (BTE), and the pocket-worn MySpeech + Bluetooth.

Who should use SpeechEasy?

• People Who Stutter (PWS) who have had previous success with other Altered Auditory Feedback devices, but who found these devices bulky and conspicuous – they want to wear something more cosmetically appealing and self-contained at ear-level;
• PWS who are searching for an alternative to traditional therapy options due to either failure of therapy to improve fluency, failure to maintain fluency over time, or the inability to maintain the psychological effort required to produce fluent speech;
• People who stutter who want to use technology in conjunction with traditional therapy options.

Can SpeechEasy cure stuttering?

No. SpeechEasy is NOT A CURE FOR STUTTERING. There is no known cure for stuttering at this time. SpeechEasy is a prosthetic device, something to be likened to wearing a hearing aid or eyeglasses. In other words, it is effective when in use.

Are there any side-effects of wearing SpeechEasy?

Environmental and conversational stimuli can sound different. SpeechEasy is usually worn in one ear only, which reduces this sensation, and the advanced digital processing helps to reduce unwanted background noise. Some people may get a sore ear. This can usually be alleviated by modifying the shell.

How long has SpeechEasy been on the market?

While Altered Auditory Feedback devices have been in existence for many years, SpeechEasy was first introduced in the USA in 2001. Some long-term efficacy studies on SpeechEasy have been published and some are still in the process of being conducted. Please visit www.speecheasy.com for more information on research.

Trial Period and Repair Warranty:

The four ear-level SpeechEasy devices (CIC, CF, ITC, BTE) come with a 60-day trial period. If the SpeechEasy device is returned intact within the 60-day trial period, an 85% refund of the total device price will be issued by True Fluency Canada Inc. (invoice cost less 15%). The pocket-worn MySpeech + Bluetooth device comes with a 30-day trial period. If the device is returned intact within 30 days, an 85% refund will be issued by True Fluency Canada (invoice cost less 15%).

SpeechEasy devices will be repaired if defective materials or defective manufacturing cause the device to malfunction within one year from the date of fitting. Damage due to negligence is not covered under this one-year warranty. Ear molds, tubing, batteries and accessories are not covered under this warranty. Speech-Language Pathologist fees are non-refundable.

How does a SpeechEasy Assessment and fitting take place?

Client contacts the nearest SpeechEasy Speech-Language Pathologist (see Locations);

Client arranges to have a hearing test and brings the audiogram to the SpeechEasy Assessment. The assessment includes a SpeechEasy demonstration. If the client is a good candidate for a SpeechEasy device, the styles and options are discussed. The device is ordered. Client makes device payment to True Fluency Canada Inc. and professional assessment fee payment to the Speech-Language Pathologist. Fitting takes place approximately two weeks after the assessment. Follow-up appointments are encouraged and are set up by the Client and the Speech-Language Pathologist.