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What Is a Personal Voice Amplifier?

K.C. Bruning
K.C. Bruning

A personal voice amplifier is a piece of equipment that helps an individual to speak at a higher volume without extra exertion. It typically consists of a small amplifier and a microphone. These devices can be used for a wide array of purposes, including giving presentations to large groups and for patients who have difficulty speaking at a normal volume. It is a way to reduce strain on the speaker while improving the accuracy of communication with an audience.

The amplifier for a personal voice amplifier is typically worn on the user’s body. They come in a variety of styles, including models that clip onto a waistband and amplifiers that are mounted on belts. Sizes also vary, from styles small enough to wear on the hip to models that stretch across the user’s stomach.

Someone with multiple sclerosis may require a personal voice amplifier.
Someone with multiple sclerosis may require a personal voice amplifier.

There are a few different styles of microphones for a personal voice amplifier. Some come with a small, handheld microphone. Others have headsets, which include a microphone that is mounted in front of the mouth. There is also a style known as the collar microphone which circles the neck like a necklace.

A typical personal voice amplifier will be made so that it can be plugged into a charger and use battery power. It will usually have few controls beyond volume and the power switch. They tend to be lightweight, as the speaker will often wish to move around while speaking and may wear the device for long periods of time.

Some of the types of professionals who might use a personal voice amplifier include tour guides, teachers, and people who frequently make presentations at venues such as trade shows. In these cases, the equipment is typically used to provide volume and reduce strain on the speaker’s voice from speaking loudly and over long periods of time. It is also meant to enable the audience to hear the speaker with little effort.

A personal voice amplifier may also be used by patients with conditions which prevent normal speech or who need to rest their voices in order to avoid further damage. The device can be used by people who have conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It can also be used by patients with vocal nodules or who are recovering from surgery on the vocal chords. While these devices can be effective for individuals with vocal impairments, they do not always work, as sometimes the vocal damage is so great that the microphone cannot pick up sufficient sound.

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    • Someone with multiple sclerosis may require a personal voice amplifier.
      By: joshya
      Someone with multiple sclerosis may require a personal voice amplifier.