Is Voice Banking right for you?

Some neurological conditions, such as Motor Neurone Disease, may sadly lead to you losing your voice altogether. The following options may be for you if you are worried you will lose your voice:

VOICE BANKING

Voice banking allows a person to record a set list of phrases with their own voice, while it is strong enough to do so. This recording is then made into a computerised version of your own voice, which can be used on a communication aid. This allows you to ‘keep’ your own voice rather than having to use a standard computer generated one. Often people see voice banking as ‘insurance’ just in case they lose their voice. An infinite number of sentences and phrases can be made with your banked voice. Voice banking is not a complex process and can be done in your own home, as long as you have a quiet room. I can assist you with choosing a voice banking service provider, setting up your equipment and making recordings. I can also help you with choosing a communication aid or app to use your voice on if you need to use it in the future.

Voice banking can be used in other ways too – if you have lost your voice already it may be possible to find a donor voice, or to use any recordings that you already have of yourself speaking to create a voice. It is also possible to create unique new voices for people who have never been able to speak using voice donor technology. You can read Richie’s case study to learn more about #avoiceforrichie

MESSAGE BANKING

Message banking is a process that allows a person to record particular phrases in their own natural voice that they may say on a regular basis, such as ‘Hello’ or ‘I love you’. It can also be used to record sounds unique to the person, such as their own laugh. Only the recordings that have been put in can be played back, unlike voice banking. Message banking can give a really personalised element to your voice on your communication aid, and it is often possible to record a few messages even if your voice has changed. I can help you set up and record your phrases, and put them onto your communication aid.