Avaaz Innovations Inc.

Overview of the Oro/Nasal System^(TM)

This simple, reliable and affordable system allows nasality and velar function training to be done on any modern Windows PC. Clinicians now have a powerful measurement tool, with many advantages over conventional nasality measurement systems. Clients now have an easy-to-use system that provides sight and sound feedback that they can use to improve velar control.

	Nasalance measurements are obtained as clients speak into the mask. The mask's electronics, computer hardware and system software digitize the resulting signals and immediately compute the ratio of oral and nasal energies, displaying the results on the computer screen.
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The OroNasal system measures and displays the ratio of nasal-to-oral voiced airflow during speech at the voice fundamental frequency -- the component of speech that best represents the oral/nasal division of the pulsation of airflow generated by the larynx.

This exclusive measurement technique makes the patented OroNasal system much less dependent on the vowel or voiced consonant being produced than conventional, microphone-based methods. Unlike other nasality measuring devices, which use a partition plate between microphones at the nose and mouth, the operation of the OroNasal System is scientifically specifiable, so it does not require arbitrary, empirically-adjusted mechanical and electronic bias parameters.

Coupled with its affordable pricing and the fact that the system plugs into the audio jack of any modern multimedia PC, these features make it suitable for home use as well as for use in clinical settings.

	Oral and nasal energies are accurately measured using a comfortable, voice-transparent, mask which attaches easily to the associated handle and electronics. Masks can be easily transferred so several clients can use the system, each having their own personal mask, to eliminate hygiene concerns associated with the sharing of masks.
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Key Benefits Include:

Accuracy:

Patented, voice-transparent pneumotach mask technology minimizes sound "cross-leakage" between the nose and mouth, and interference from outside sources.
Does not require arbitrary, empirically adjusted mechanical or electronic parameters, unlike systems from other manufacturers
Patented method reduces dependence of results on specific vowels and voiced consonants

Clinically Efficient and Effective:

Real-time visual feedback allows clients to practice with a sound and to watch the nasalance vary as they experiment with different postures of velar closure
Practice the sounds and words you want: patented method reduces dependence on specific vowels and voiced consonants
User can practice matching clinician targets during a one-on-one therapy session or can use prerecorded target sounds to make an auditory and visual comparison during independent practice sessions

Comfortable:

Patented mask eliminates the need for a harness around the head or hard partition plates between the nose and mouth

Easy-to-use:

Record and store any desired model sounds and words (by clinician, parent, educator, etc.)
Single electronics control allows quick and easy changes from one mask to another.
Transfer switch allows patient and clinician to alternate input to the system
Clients can use personal masks at home and bring these for clinician visits involving measurement and directed therapy

Hygenic:

each user can have a personal mask.

Affordable:

Users can have home systems for practice to supplement within-clinic treatment
Multiple-user licenses available for the software

Flexible:

Transducers can be added to record nasal air emission during unvoiced consonants

System Description and Minimum Computer Requirements:

The OroNasal Measurement and Feedback System is available in two versions:

a single-user system, complete with operating software and one OroNasal voice-transparent, dual (oral/nasal), circumferentially-vented (CV), pneumotachograph airflow mask, with screen rings and mask electronics;
a two-person system, complete with operating software and two OroNasal voice-transparent, dual (oral/nasal), circumferentially-vented (CV), pneumotachograph airflow masks, with screen rings, two sets of mask electronics and transfer switch (to allow two users to share the same computer).

Each OroNasal mask is powered by one replaceable "AA" lithium battery (included with purchase of your system).

Minimum Computer System Requirements

IBM compatible PC (Pentium or equivalent processor) Windows-compliant multimedia sound card (e.g., Creative Laboratories Sound Blaster 16 or equivalent).