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From: Larry Molt, Auburn University
Date: 10/1/02
Time: 12:04:18 PM
Remote Name: 131.204.161.104
Hi Mr. Braha
I'm desperately searching for the proverbial 10 foot pole for handling this question - and it's a question we all knew would be coming. Thanks to it's very public release and publicity splash, questions about the SpeechEasy devices have dominated the stuttering internet list-serves, self-help group discussions, and the phone lines and e-mail of speech-language pathologists for the last two months. Our clinic does not currently dispense the devices. I can only pass along anecdotal information. I would encourage you to subscribe to the Stutt-L internet discussion list-serve, if you're not already a member, and check the archives, as much discussion has already taken place that might help answer your question. (BTW, if you're not a member, instructions for subscribing to the various internet list-serves dealing with stuttering are available at the "Stuttering Home Page").
I've copied the most recent Stutt-L posting concerning feedback on the SpeechEasy device that appeared yesterday (30 September, 2002) and pasted it below. In my opinion it's fairly representative of the feedback that has been coming in:
" . . . . . . I've had the SpeechEasy (completely-in-the-canal model) for about nine months. A little history -- I had tried a DAF device before I tried the SpeechEasy and was just blown away. My speech had never been so effortless. Of course the idea of taking that comfort inconspicuously out into the world was an attraction.
My experience with the SpeechEasy has been mixed. I should tell you that I've got a moderate stutter, though most of the time I've got a handle on it (whatever that means). Anyway, you'll notice a couple of things initially. First, the signal is not as clear, despite what Janus claims, as a more elaborate machine. There is also quite a deal of residual noise - making places like malls and gymnasiums a little unbearable. That said, the Speecheasy is helpful. Though there is some adaptation, which can be quite frightening if you aren't prepared for it. Ultimately, you've got to use the device -- the device won't use you. That is, it's only a tool. On bad days, or times when you just want to get it over with and blast your way through a sentence, the Speecheasy is rather useless. But if you can remain aware of it, and expect only assistance, not a cure, it's helpful. And, as I'm sure you're aware, the price is steep. I wouldn't sell anything important, like your soul, to get it. But if you've got the resources, it may be worth it . . . . . "