Voice is barely audible

May 7, 2008

(I'm updating Geri Hall's post so that I can keep saving them in the

links w/out having her expired contact info on the post)

>Also his voice is barely

>audible.

Geri Hall's response:

" This too is normal but is a large concern. Hypophonia means that his

voice is soft because he can't produce and maintain a large volume of

air required for sustained speech. So he starts off softly and then

tapers to almost nothing. This is a concern for communication, for

aspiration (as anything that affects speech quality also affects

swallowing, and greatly increases his potential for pneumonia. So, he

needs a swallowing study to determine the best possible food

consistency and whether he is aspirating (breathing in) his saliva.

He needs pneumonia and flu shots.

Then look at enhancing communications using three things: 1) a pocket

talker. These handy little devices were developed to help people who

are hard of hearing understand social conversation when they can't or

won't use a hearing aid. Usually we give them to the patient and talk

into the microphone, however, in your case you will have him talk

into the microphone and put the speaker by your ear. They are

available at Radio Shack for $18-$30. 2) Positioning - make sure the

person is sitting up as straight as possible to be able to clear air

more efficiently; and 3) making sure you take extra time to allow for

a response, relying whenever possible on gestures, and yes/no

questions. "

(I searched the Pocket Talker - but the prices were at $150 - so

instead found the following, which is at a better rate of $33)

Sonic Super Ear (4000) - Personal Sound Amplifier

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