Voice Banking

Voice banking allows individuals to record their own natural voice to create a digitally synthesised version that can be used later for communication if speech becomes difficult or is lost. The resulting synthetic voice is an approximation of your natural voice - it captures key features such as accent, tone, and rhythm, but it will not sound exactly the same. Even so, most people find it recognisably “theirs”, offering a sense of identity, continuity, and emotional connection for both the individual and their loved ones. This is often a better alternative to 'default' voices available within apps.

Voice banking is most commonly used by people with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) or other conditions that may lead to progressive speech changes, but it can also benefit individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), multiple system atrophy (MSA), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), or head and neck cancer.

Voice banking works best when completed early, while speech clarity and energy levels are sufficient for recording.

How Voice Banking Works

Voice banking is typically completed while speech remains clear and stable enough for high-quality recording. The process involves:

Meeting with a speech pathologist to discuss voice preservation options
Recording a set of sentences or phrases using a high-quality microphone in a quiet environment.
Processing the recordings through a specialised voice banking platform, which analyses the acoustic and linguistic features of your voice.
At a later point, linking the synthetic voice to the speech-generating device (SGD) or communication app, allowing you to “speak” any words or phrases typed or selected.

Although the voice is not a perfect replica, it often preserves enough of your natural character - accent, pacing, and intonation - to feel familiar and personal.

Our Role at Swallow Science Melbourne

Swallow Science Melbourne provides clinical and technical support through every stage of the process, including:

Helping you select the most suitable voice banking platform for your goals and abilities
Guiding microphone setup, recording technique, and pacing for best sound quality
Providing scripts and step-by-step guidance during recording sessions
Managing file upload, verification, and voice generation
Coordinating with funding providers and your wider healthcare team
Supporting later integration of your synthetic voice into an SGD or communication app

We can also explore message banking (recording short, meaningful phrases in your natural voice). You can hire a handheld recording device from us to record your phrases over a set time period, then we can upload and tag your messages, ready for future implementation on a device.

Legacy banking is not something we currently offer, however, we can provide resources to help families complete this process independently.

Funding and Eligibility

We can assist with funding applications for eligible Victorians, including:

People aged 65 years and older with a communication disability (non-NDIS)
People living with MND, MS, MSA, PSP, or head and neck cancer

Funding may be available through state equipment programs, charitable organisations or other support pathways.

Timing and Referrals

Referrals are accepted from:

Neurologists
GPs
Speech pathologists
MND or allied health advisors

Family members are welcome to attend appointments and learn about the process.