Last month, on April 16th, we celebrated World Voice Day.
What if you or a loved one were diagnosed with a medical condition that would eventually lead to the loss of your ability to speak?
With voice banking, individuals diagnosed with neurological conditions like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) can enjoy hearing their words communicated in their own voice when they use voice output communication aids (VOCAs) to communicate.
A VOCA is operated by choosing letters, words, symbols, or sentences in the most accessible way for the person (which could be using fingers, a keyboard, a pointer, an adapted mouse, a joystick, a switch, or eye tracking). The VOCA then “speaks” the message.
But in whose voice?
Think about voice. Our voice goes beyond being a tool for communication. Our voices can carry emotion and personality. Voice can be part of our identity. Our loved ones recognize us by our voices.
Of course that's not true for everyone. For some individuals who are Deaf or hard of hearing, sign language serves as voice and expression. But when you live your life with your voice, and disease or disability comes along, losing it can feel like losing a part of yourself.
Who Can Benefit from Voice Banking?
ALS & Speech Loss
May is ALS Awareness Month. It is estimated that over 450,000 people are living with ALS worldwide.
The majority of people with ALS develop dysarthria—difficulty articulating words—as muscles in the mouth, tongue, and throat weaken. Speech changes generally go from mild slurring or voice changes to significant, and eventually complete, loss of intelligibility.
Parkinson’s Disease and Other Conditions
Another neurological condition that affects speech is Parkinson's disease. More than 10 million people worldwide are estimated to be living with Parkinson's disease, a number expected to rise to more than 25 million by 2050 due to aging populations worldwide.
People living with GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) or related Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) also experience significant voice impairment, including hoarseness, vocal fatigue, and, in severe cases, inability to use their voice at all.
Speaking with Assistive Technology
Many individuals who lose the ability to speak use assistive technology, such as speech-generating devices (SGDs), including previously discussed VOCAs, to help them continue to communicate.
What Is a Speech-Generating Device (SGD)?
Many individuals with speech loss use tablet-based systems equipped with specialized Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) apps, as well as computers designed specifically for communication with powerful speakers and multiple input options. Simple printed letter boards can also be used for quick needs or as backup.
Why Personalized Voices Matter
But when an individual inputs their communication, the experience can be much more authentic when a generic, computer-generated voice is replaced by the familiar voice of the person who is actually communicating.
That's where voice banking comes in.
How Voice Banking Works
Traditional Voice Banking
Voice banking is the process of recording natural speech while still possible. Your voice is then stored digitally to be used later with speech-generating devices discussed earlier. The personalized, synthetic voice is created to sound indistinguishable from your own.
AI Voice Cloning
There are two primary ways to create a synthesized version of a voice: traditional computer-generated voice banking and artificial intelligence (AI) voice cloning. Both can be integrated into the same communication device.
You’ll read phrases to build a digital voice model. Specialized software then uses these recordings to build an algorithm that can synthesize unique vocal characteristics like tone, pitch, and rhythm.
Like traditional computer-generated voice banking, AI voice cloning creates a synthesized version of your voice that can be used with a communication device or text-to-speech app. You can either voice bank for AI cloning ahead of time or use past audio recordings.
AI voice cloning has limitations, though. Using it requires an internet connection or cell service so if you are somewhere with unreliable Wi-Fi or cell service, you won’t be able to use it.
Choosing a Voice Banking Service
Several voice banking services are available but which one you choose depends on where you or your loved one are in speech regression, your personal goals, and the cost. Some voice banking services are more labor-intensive and designed for individuals who are in earlier stages of voice regression. Let's break down the most popular voice banking services:
Acapela Group (My-Own-Voice)
Acapela Group (My-Own-Voice) is moderately easy to set up and use and requires 1 to 3 hours of recording. This service will provide very high voice quality, but you'll need a computer. It’s best for individuals with early to midstage speech regression who want high quality voice output and can invest time up front. The cost is high but often funded.
The Voice Keeper
The Voice Keeper is app-based, step-by-step, and one of the easiest services to use. Time and effort required is very low. Although the voice quality is not as great as Acapela Group, it's still good. The Voice Keeper is a favorite because it works with old recordings, and it works even if speech is already declining. If your loved one is in the later stages of speech regression or you just need something fast and simple, you might want to check out one of their subscription plans.
ModelTalker
ModelTalker produces high-quality synthetic voices, but it is often reported as more difficult to use and requires many hours of speech. This voice banking service also requires software and a computer, and it works best with those in early stages of voice regression. ModelTalker is a non-profit, and it's cost-effective, at about $100.
SpeakUnique
SpeakUnique offers both voice banking and “voice blending” for people who have already experienced some speech changes. This article provides a closer look at how the service helps preserve emotion, tone, and personality in synthesized speech. Like The Voice Keeper, setup is fairly simple.
Of all the services, SpeakUnique has the strongest ability to create voices from older recordings.
Can Voice Banking Use Older Recordings?
Typically for voice banking to work, individuals with progressive speech decline must be proactive and start early, before speech loss. All of the voice banking services have tools that can build synthetic voices from old recordings.
How Much Does Voice Banking Cost?
Team Gleason, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded by former NFL player Steve Gleason to empower people living with ALS, often covers the costs of voice banking software (such as Acapela or ModelTalker) for people with ALS in the USA. Apply here.
For SpeakUnique, the cost is usually funded by ALS organizations. You can apply after creating your account.
If you live in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, you can apply for free AI Voice Cloning through the MND Association.
If you live anywhere else in the world, you can apply for free AI Voice Cloning through the Scott Morgan Foundation.
Bridging Voice partners with ElevenLabs, a leading AI voice cloning technology provider to offer free AI voice cloning licenses to people with ALS/MND in the U.S. They provide free expert support for AI voice banking, message banking, and setting up technology. Apply here.
Apple’s Personal Voice is a free feature built directly into iOS 17 and later, allowing iPhone users to create a personalized synthetic voice.
What Is Message Banking?
An alternative to voice banking is message banking, for recording specific, meaningful phrases in your own voice.
Check out myMessageBanking for software that guides you through the process, and helps store, organize, and download messages onto various speech-generating devices and communication apps.
It is free for personal use.
Advice From the ALS Community
Do not worry about what software you are going to use for voice banking right away.
Just grab your cell phone and hit record, or have a loved one help you do it. If you have a computer and microphone, even better. The most important thing is to record yourself talking so you can use it later. Laugh authentically when you can and say the names of your loved ones. Speak naturally in ways you may want to revisit later. You won't regret it.
If you’re a loved one of an individual with a disability or disease that causes decline and loss of voice, search old voicemails and videos.
Stay Up to Date on Voice Banking Technology
The technology of voice banking is changing rapidly. As new advances improve synthetic voice quality and integration into devices, you can stay up to date through ALS and assistive technology organizations and newsletters.
Where Can I Learn More About Communication Disorders?
Ability Central’s Resource Library offers plain-language information on communication disorders, disabilities, and related support needs. Explore the articles below to learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, recovery, and available resources.
Dysarthria: What to Know About Slurred Speech from Nerve Damage
What Keeps Someone From Talking? Information You Should Know About Muteness
Expressive Language Disorder: Symptoms, Challenges, and Treatments
Receptive Language Disorder: Why Can’t I Understand What People Say?
8 Things You Should Know About Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) First Steps: What to Do After a Diagnosis
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): Financial Planning and Long-term Support
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