AI System to Measure Clarity of Speech in Those With Parkinson's on Mobile Devices
Lead Participant:
SPEECHTOOLS LTD
Abstract
Speechtools' project will develop a novel, innovative AI system to measure clarity of speech to drastically improve the effectiveness of affordable, self-driven voice therapy for people with Parkinson's Disease.
_"In the UK, around 145,000 people are already living with Parkinson's. Every hour, two more people are diagnosed. 1 in 37 people alive today will be diagnosed with Parkinson's in their lifetime." (Parkinson's UK)_
'_Up to half of people with Parkinson's are affected by unclear speech sufficient to cause strangers to have difficulty understanding all they say, even in the early phrases of the condition'_ (Royal College Speech & Language Therapists)
These figures are also increasing due to a growing and ageing population.
Speech Therapists help those with Parkinson's by providing voice therapy exercises to counteract the effects of Parkinson's. Without this help, patient's voices can become weaker, quieter and unintelligible over time. If not addressed these communication difficulties can lead to people being less able to clearly communicate with those around them and lose confidence in social situations. In turn they may withdraw from those around them and even retire earlier than they would choose to leading to mental-health and economic problems.
Parkinson's voice therapy involves pitch and volume exercises to help keep a person's voice strong and clear. Self-driven practice requires measurement of pitch, volume and clarity. Pitch and volume measurements are provided for by our app 'Voice Analyst' but clarity is currently measured subjectively by a Speech Therapist.
However, mobile technology is now able to make the AI calculations required to measure clarity. Speechtools will create a revolutionary AI system to analyse and provide objective feedback on clarity of speech. This will empower patients to manage their own condition independently of Speech Therapist support.
We will help those with Parkinson's communicate more clearly with those around them and support their quality of life.
Speechtools is an award-winning company with over 10 years of experience creating speech therapy apps. We have a portfolio of 5 apps helping people in over 170 countries.
_"In the UK, around 145,000 people are already living with Parkinson's. Every hour, two more people are diagnosed. 1 in 37 people alive today will be diagnosed with Parkinson's in their lifetime." (Parkinson's UK)_
'_Up to half of people with Parkinson's are affected by unclear speech sufficient to cause strangers to have difficulty understanding all they say, even in the early phrases of the condition'_ (Royal College Speech & Language Therapists)
These figures are also increasing due to a growing and ageing population.
Speech Therapists help those with Parkinson's by providing voice therapy exercises to counteract the effects of Parkinson's. Without this help, patient's voices can become weaker, quieter and unintelligible over time. If not addressed these communication difficulties can lead to people being less able to clearly communicate with those around them and lose confidence in social situations. In turn they may withdraw from those around them and even retire earlier than they would choose to leading to mental-health and economic problems.
Parkinson's voice therapy involves pitch and volume exercises to help keep a person's voice strong and clear. Self-driven practice requires measurement of pitch, volume and clarity. Pitch and volume measurements are provided for by our app 'Voice Analyst' but clarity is currently measured subjectively by a Speech Therapist.
However, mobile technology is now able to make the AI calculations required to measure clarity. Speechtools will create a revolutionary AI system to analyse and provide objective feedback on clarity of speech. This will empower patients to manage their own condition independently of Speech Therapist support.
We will help those with Parkinson's communicate more clearly with those around them and support their quality of life.
Speechtools is an award-winning company with over 10 years of experience creating speech therapy apps. We have a portfolio of 5 apps helping people in over 170 countries.
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| SPEECHTOOLS LTD | £30,413 | £ 30,413 |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Garry Brady (Project Manager) |