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Assistive devices currently available to help people with ALS communicate more clearly include:
Palatal lift appliance: This is a dental appliance similar to a retainer. It elevates the soft palate and prevents air from escaping through the nose during speech.
Amplification: A personal amplifier can be used to increase loudness, also reducing voice fatigue.
TTY telephone relay system: With this system, messages can be typed in their entirety or only unclear words can be typed, at the user’s discretion.
Low-tech devices: Laptops and communication boards can be used as alternative communication techniques.
High-tech electronic speech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices are also available, including computers with speech synthesizers and dedicated communication devices. Patients interested in purchasing an electronic communication aid should discuss this with a speech-language pathologist first.
What devices can help people with ALS communicate more clearly?
Palatal lift appliance: This is a dental appliance similar to a retainer. It elevates the soft palate and prevents air from escaping through the nose during speech.
Amplification: A personal amplifier can be used to increase loudness, also reducing voice fatigue.
TTY telephone relay system: With this system, messages can be typed in their entirety or only unclear words can be typed, at the user’s discretion.
Low-tech devices: Laptops and communication boards can be used as alternative communication techniques.
High-tech electronic speech augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices are also available, including computers with speech synthesizers and dedicated communication devices. Patients interested in purchasing an electronic communication aid should discuss this with a speech-language pathologist first.