Silent Speech Tech Gives Voice to Stroke Survivors

A revolutionary new device is enabling individuals with speech impairments to communicate silently. The Revoice system utilizes sensors to detect subtle vibrations from throat muscles, translating them into intended words and sentences with remarkable accuracy. This technology is a significant breakthrough for those affected by conditions like dysarthria, a common speech impairment following a stroke.

The AI-powered device enhances its interpretation by incorporating physiological data, such as heart rate, and contextual information like the time of day. This multi-faceted approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of the user's intended message. During a pilot study, five patients with dysarthria successfully used the device, mouthing short phrases that could then be expanded into full sentences via an embedded language model.

This innovation holds immense promise for the estimated 1.4 million people living with the after-effects of stroke in Britain, half of whom develop dysarthria. Traditional speech therapy can be a lengthy process, often taking over a year, and may not fully address the challenges of open-ended conversations. The Revoice device offers a faster, more intuitive path to regaining communication abilities.