Lions Club of Buckingham

Speech Aid

Background

The Speech Aid Project started because the club were approached to provide transport for a local man, on a regular basis, from Buckingham to Milton Keynes Hospital to attend meetings of a group of people who had undergone major surgery for throat cancer. In this radical operation the larynx is removed thus effectively making the individual incapable of normal speech. To produce any sounds, above a whisper, it is necessary to 'burp' previously swallowed air. The National Health Service provides, at a cost of £300+, a cumbersome microphone and combined speaker/ amplifier but this does not really improve the quality of life for these unfortunate individuals. Lion David Lloyd realised that a cheaper and more elegant solution could be provided and determined to do something about it.

The Speech Aid Device

Lion David realised that what was needed was a lightweight speaker/ amplifier and an unobtrusive microphone. Such things existed and, critically, were not expensive. A target price of £50 was set for the cost of each unit. A small speaker/ amplifier unit was found which was readily available and a lightweight boom microphone. A clip was designed and prototyped to hold the micophone onto the side arm of a pair of spectacles and an over the ear device designed for non spectacle wearers. The reaction of the Laryngectomy patients was a just reward. Two users visited the club to demonstrate the device and on being asked if they had found any problems replied that they forgot that they were wearing the thing and tended to dip it in their beer! Both were able to hold normal conversations in a pub, making themselves easily heard. At this point it was decided to present the idea to the District Convention to see if it would be considered worthy for consideration as a District Project. To be continued............