voice amplifier

[fm_cuta at ccmail.pnl.gov]

Kim,
Feedback exterminators are available which turn down the amplification in the
frequency ranges in which the screeching is taking place.  However, such a
device will render a system inactive when the speaker comes too close to the
microphone.  The objectionable feedback is caused by sound from the speaker
being picked up and reamplified by the microphone.  There is no method of
preventing this other than the above eletronic design or by separating the
speaker and microphone by either distance or isolation.  The principle method
of isolation usually employed is to put the listener in a separate room or have
him or her wear headphones.  
Frank



I took a call from a mother whose daughter has a condition which makes her
speech inaudible.  They are looking for an inexpensive amplifier which is
discreet and doesn't make screeching noises when the amplifier comes too close
to the microphone.  They have already tried using a Barbie sing along
amplification-type product which worked fine except for the screeching issue.

Does anyone have any ideas or experiences which we can pass along to this
family?

Thanks,
Kim

-------------------------------------
Kim Shaw
Assistive Technology Resource Center
University of Washington
206-685-4181 voice
206-616-1396 tty
800-841-8345 voice/tty
shawk at u.washington.edu
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