Zavox Reo Voice Amplifier

• Who may benefit from the Zavox Reo?
• Please read our CONSIDERATIONs for voice amplification in our Selection Guide (click here)

There are two main vocal scenarios which may benefit from amplification:

1. The volume of speech is too low to be functional

The volume of speech may be reduced by conditions such as Parkinson's Disease, Motor Neurone Disease or other neurogenic disorders. Paraplegia and quadriplegia may be associated with low volume speech due to respiratory difficulties.  The vocal structure may be affected by surgery or trauma.  There are a range of causes for low volume speech, but so long as outgoing breath is possible the softest whisper can be amplified. 

2.  Normal voice use is taxing causing fatigue, strain etc

Extended periods of talking, or raising the voice or improper use of the voice may cause vocal fatigue, strain or other voice problems.  Class-room teachers, presenters, tour guides instructors and others speaking to groups may find the Zavox Reo useful.  Adults or children with voice disorders may benefit from amplification.  Amplification may assist to prevent fatigue or strain or may act in a compensatory measure.This device is a small personal aid.  It is NOT suitable for large rooms or large groups.  It is not a Public Address system.

How to start with the Zavox Reo voice amplifier?

1. Trial through a Speech Pathologist. Zyteq offers a free 2 week trial through your Speech Pathologist. This means that voice conditions can be considered in the context of amplification as a solution. A Speech Pathologist will be able to advise whether amplification is the most appropriate intervention for the individual case and can consider amplification as one strategy among others which may be used to assist with communication. Situations where amplification would be most useful can be identified and incorporated into aims for the trial. The Speech Pathologist can request a trial. We send out a unit from our loan pool with all our available microphone options to compare. The Speech Pathologist can assist with adjusting and setting-up the device, explaining and demonstrating management of the Zavox. The Zavox may be taken away from the clinic to be trialled in the communication situations which have been identified in the aims. The supervision of the trial lies with the Speech Pathologist as he or she may follow up a successful trial with an application for funding, if applicable.
2. Independent trial of the Zavox Reo without a Speech Pathologist can be undertaken with our “purchase or return” terms. This requires purchasing the Zavox with the microphones to trial and returning the items or the entire system if not required or unsuitable. Please read the full “sale or return” terms. If this is the option chosen, please be aware of all the considerations outlined above. Option #1 - trial through a Speech Pathologist is recommended.  If you still prefer to proceed indepdently please watch the "considerations" video below and read the support materials under the support tab here. 

The video here is a recording of a webinar outlining considerations for using a voice amplifier and a demonstration of the Zavox Reo and the microphone options.

Please read under DETAILS for Considerations and Steps for starting with Voice Amplification.

FEATURES

Portability

The Reo can be worn on the body in several ways.  It is supplied with a durable, fine black leather pouch and a webbed waist strap and leather neck/shoulder strap.  All buttons and ports can be accessed through the pouch, and the status LED is visible.

Power

The Reo's battery management has been carefully designed to meet the function.  The internal rechargeable batteries are charged by the plug pack charger supplied.  A full charge delivers 5 hours of continuous voice output.  The Reo switches to standby mode when not in use to conserve power.  The status LED flashes GREEN to indicate that the battery requires charging.  The LED flashes  RED during charging and stops flashing when fully charged. A full charge takes 4 hours.

Operation

Position the amplifier on the body in the carry bag.  Connect the microphone and position the boom just below the bottom lip.  Easy access, yellow push-buttons are used for ON/OFF and volume control.  When turned ON a triple beep sounds and the status LED is GREEN.  The unit resets to zero volume when turned OFF to prevent potential feedback when next turned ON.  The volume UP button is pressed to the desired amplification level while speaking through the connected microphone. 

Microphones

How to position the microphones.

See images of each under the IMAGES tab  Correct positioning of the microphones is key to success of the amplification.  The microphone should be 1 to 3 cm from the mouth. 

UNILATERAL EAR MICROPHONE: The ZX-61 unilateral ear microphone is discreet and skin coloured (beige).  It loops over the LEFT ear and can be adjusted with the flexible ear piece. 

HEADSET MICROPHONE: The best amplification results are achieved with this microphone positioned close to the mouth. The 10 cm gooseneck enables accurate positioning. The headband is worn at the back of the head and over the ears, and sits comfortably even with head movement.

THROAT microphone: This is a 'contact' microphone or ' transdermal' microphone that uses a method of induction that picks up voice signals through vibrations in the neck. The result is clear communication without any background noise from the environment, although bodily noises, such as swallowing may also be amplified. This microphone has dual transponders for increased clarity.

LAPEL/ hand held microphone: this is a small microphone with clip designed to be worn on clothing.  We find that it is not close enough to the mouth when positioned on clothing, so is rendered ineffective.  The microphone needs to be 1 to 3 cm from the mouth to be effective. The windsock adds to the apparent size of the microphone, but the actual microphone measures approximately 10mm in diameter.

Alarm

To call for attention, hold down the volume UP or DOWN buttons for 2 seconds.  To turn OFF hold down either button again for 2 seconds.

How to buy:

The Zavox Reo amplifier is supplied with a choice of microphones.
When working out the pricing, choose your microphone and add the price of the base unit to the microphone.

An assessment kit is available which includes all microphone options.

• Dimensions : 125 x 80 x 35 MM (6 x 3.2 x 1.4 inches including bag)   
• Weight: 245 Grams (8 ounces including carry bag)  
• Battery: 3.7 Volt 950 MAH Lithium Ion
• Stand-by power; 60 hours
• Adapter: 9 Volt 1A 110-240 50-60 Hz
• Output: 3 Watts
• RoHS Compliant

General guidelines for Voice Amplifier set-up (PDF download)

Considerations and Steps for Starting with Voice Amplification (PDF download)

Supplied with:

Instructions (on box)
neck/shoulder strap
waist strap
black leather pouch with waist strap loop and metal rings for neck/shoulder strap
charger
1 year warranty