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Communication changes are common for many people living with ALS, which is why speech language pathologists recommend “banking” your voice as a just-in-case insurance policy.
To bank your voice, you just need to record yourself speaking. If you ever need these audio files in the future, your recordings will be used to create a synthesized version of your voice that can be used on text-to-speech apps and communication devices. Because your voice can be such an important part of your identity, preserving your voice can be very meaningful for you and your loved ones. |
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There are two ways you can create a synthesized version of your voice: traditional computer-generated voice banking and AI voice cloning. Each technology has its advantages and both can be integrated into the same communication device.
We recommend voice banking for both so you have maximum flexibility moving forward.
We recommend voice banking for both so you have maximum flexibility moving forward.
Note: Voice banking and cloning technology is changing rapidly. Exciting new advances are happening that will continue to improve synthetic voice quality and integration into devices. This means that your options will continue to evolve. We will do our best to update this page to reflect the latest changes. You can check back periodically and/or sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date.
Computer-Generated Voice Banking
If you are able to record your voice when you can still speak clearly, the computer-generated voice on your communication device or app will sound more like you.
To bank your voice, you will need to read anywhere from 50 to 200 sentences into a software program on one of your devices. For better clarity, use a dedicated microphone, bank your voice sooner rather than later, and record when your voice is rested. You may record in multiple sessions if needed.
Current voice banking software options include:
Because each program is different and technology is always changing, ask your speech language pathologist which software program would work best for your needs and preferred communication device.
To bank your voice, you will need to read anywhere from 50 to 200 sentences into a software program on one of your devices. For better clarity, use a dedicated microphone, bank your voice sooner rather than later, and record when your voice is rested. You may record in multiple sessions if needed.
Current voice banking software options include:
Because each program is different and technology is always changing, ask your speech language pathologist which software program would work best for your needs and preferred communication device.
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If you live in the United States, Team Gleason offers funding support for voice and message banking. Their staff will provide guidance throughout the voice preservation process.
If you are a U.S. military Veteran, the VA should cover the cost of your voice banking software. If you have a newer iPhone, iPad, or Mac computer, you can create a synthesized version of your voice at no cost using Apple Personal Voice, which is built into the device’s accessibility settings. This technology is changing rapidly, so ask your SLP about the advantages and disadvantages of using the latest version of Apple Personal Voice, including whether it is compatible with your communication device. |
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BCH Message Banking™
Message Banking™, developed at Boston Children's Hospital, helps you record specific phrases that will play as audio files of your actual voice. This means that it will only work for the words and phrases you record ahead of time.
People like to record common and meaningful words and phrases such as “I love you,” “thank you,” and people’s names. You can also get creative by recording an inside joke or calling your pet to come. These Message Banking Template and Message Banking Ideas PDFs can help you brainstorm and decide what you want to record.
There are several ways you can Message Bank, including using a handheld recorder like the Zoom H1n (watch tutorial video) or the iOS app AVR X, which was recently rebranded as the Sound Note Voice Recorder Note (watch tutorial video).
myMessageBanking is the software that guides you through the process, helps organize your messages, stores the messages, and provides a way to download the messages onto various speech-generating devices and communication apps. It is free for personal use.
You can use the Acapela software listed above to “double dip,” which means you can record your message banking messages and then use those same recordings as your voice banking recordings.
People like to record common and meaningful words and phrases such as “I love you,” “thank you,” and people’s names. You can also get creative by recording an inside joke or calling your pet to come. These Message Banking Template and Message Banking Ideas PDFs can help you brainstorm and decide what you want to record.
There are several ways you can Message Bank, including using a handheld recorder like the Zoom H1n (watch tutorial video) or the iOS app AVR X, which was recently rebranded as the Sound Note Voice Recorder Note (watch tutorial video).
myMessageBanking is the software that guides you through the process, helps organize your messages, stores the messages, and provides a way to download the messages onto various speech-generating devices and communication apps. It is free for personal use.
You can use the Acapela software listed above to “double dip,” which means you can record your message banking messages and then use those same recordings as your voice banking recordings.
AI Voice Cloning
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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. Cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology can simulate your natural intonation and conversational style so closely that your AI voice may be almost indistinguishable from your natural voice.
With just a one-minute audio file of you speaking in a conversational style, you can get a quality instant voice clone. For a voice that more closely resembles yours, you will need 10+ minutes of recorded speech. You can either voice bank for AI cloning ahead of time or use past audio recordings of yourself, such as voice messages you left for others. |
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AI voice cloning does have its limitations. Using it requires an internet connection or cell service, which means that if you’re in a hospital, care facility, airplane, or anywhere else that may have unreliable or no Wi-Fi or cell service, you will not be able to use your AI voice. If you go beyond the monthly character limit for the pro license described below, you will need to pay out of pocket for the overage.
Get Free AI Voice Cloning Anywhere in the World
In 2024, Bridging Voice partnered with AI voice cloning leader ElevenLabs to provide a free ElevenLabs Pro license ($1,200/year value) for anyone living in the United States who has been diagnosed with ALS. You will need to fill out this application, create your ElevenLabs account, and schedule a free session with Bridging Voice to integrate your AI voice into your device. Learn more
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.
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.
If you are having technical issues with AI voice cloning, try reaching out to the speech language pathologist at your ALS clinic for guidance through the process and possibly help with all the ways existing audio files like voice messages can be sourced, edited, and potentially used.
If you live near Boston, or can travel there, The Jay S. Fishman ALS Augmentative Communication Program at Boston Children’s Hospital can help you bank and clone your voice during your clinic appointment, provide a free ElevenLabs Pro license ($1,200/year value), troubleshoot, and install your synthesized voice onto your communication device or app during your visit.
If you live near Boston, or can travel there, The Jay S. Fishman ALS Augmentative Communication Program at Boston Children’s Hospital can help you bank and clone your voice during your clinic appointment, provide a free ElevenLabs Pro license ($1,200/year value), troubleshoot, and install your synthesized voice onto your communication device or app during your visit.
Remember that banking your voice with both traditional voice banking software and AI cloning technology will give you the flexibility to use either one.
