Labex INSPIRATION User manual
Labex Inspiration User Manual, Date: 20 April 2020, # 1
LABEX™INSPIRATION EL
USER MANUAL
Labex Inspiration User Manual, Date: 20 April 2020, # 2
OVERVIEW
1. What is Labex Inspiration
Labex Inspiration is a digital electrolarynx device. It is specially designed to
help laryngectomees talk. Its main feature is the touch slider that allows the
user to change the intonation while speaking.
Labex Inspiration is a CLASS I medical device.
General principle of operation for all models electrolarynges manufactured
by Labex Trade Ltd.:
The digital electrolarynx produces mechanical vibrations with a low sound
frequency between 60-195 Hz. Applied to the neck, these vibrations create
trembling in the oral cavity similar to the human voice.
The combination of starting and stopping sound vibrations and oral
articulation creates comprehensible human speech.
2. In the box
In the box, you will find everything you need to start using the device:
1 –Labex Inspiration electrolarynx device;
2 –USB charging cable (USB A to micro USB type B);
3 –USB charger 5V 2A;
4 –„Labex“lanyard;
5 –The User manual;
6 –Original Warranty card.
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3. Parts and buttons
Labex Inspiration consists of several main
components:
1) Top cap –The part which you put on your
neck to receive the sound.
2) Touch Slider –Touch to talk, and slide your
finger up and down to change the pitch.
3) LED bar –Active LED bar that shows you
information like current pitch level, battery
level, etc.
4) SETTINGS button –Used for changing
settings, adjustments and to check the battery
discharge level.
5) Red LED –Indicates when the battery fully
charged.
6) Green LED Indicates when the battery is
charging.
7) USB port –Used to charge the device with
the included USB cable.
8) ON/OFF switch –Used to turn the device
ON or OFF.
GETTING STARTED
4. Basic use
The device’s battery is partially charged by the manufacturer. You need to
fully charge the device before starting usage.
To charge the device plug the provided USB cable into the USB port at the
bottom of the device. Plug the other end of the provided USB cable into the
provided USB charger and plug the charger into a wall socket. The Green and
Labex Inspiration User Manual, Date: 20 April 2020, # 4
Red LEDs at the bottom of the device should light up. When your device
become fully charged the Red LED turns off.
Note: The device will not work while charging. This is a safety measure.
5. After charging the device, it must be turned on.
To do this, use the ON / OFF slider switch located on the bottom of the
device. The active LED strip illuminates briefly and indicates the battery level.
Normal operation of the device is done by placing your finger on the touch
panel. Moving your finger up and down will change the pitch up and down,
respectively.
Note: During the startup process the device performs quick calibration of the
touch sensors. It is important to keep the fingers away from the touch sensors
while switching the unit ON to avoid missing or improper sensitivity.
6. Finding the sweet spot
A sweet spot is a place where you feel the sound from the electrolarynx
transmits through your neck tissue and your oral cavity with the most clarity.
The easiest way to find your sweet spot is to place the electrolarynx on your
neck in different positions and actuate the sound. What you are looking for is
the place on your neck, which transmits sound the best. While looking for a
sweet spot, it is crucial that you press it firmly against your neck tissue, so the
sound transmits through your tissue and out your oral cavity. Take your time
finding your sweet spot –this is the most crucial part of learning how to use
an electrolarynx. Finding just the right place will set you up for success.
7. First Words
After you have pinpointed the desired spot, you can start making some basic
sounds. Focus on single vowels first. Over-articulate every sound with your
mouth until you feel comfortable with all the vowels. After that, you can start
practicing short words. Slowly work your way up to sentences and
conversation.
For a more detailed guide, please check our article:
https://labextrade.com/tips-for-using-electrolarynx/
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8. Expectations
Sometimes learning to speak with an electrolarynx device is not easy. Think of
it as learning to play a musical instrument. It will take time, practice, and
patience.
In some cases, talking can be achieved in a month, in other cases it can take
only 3 days.
USING THE INSPIRATION ELECTROLARYNX
The Inspiration can be configured to work in different modes which will be
presented later. However, the daily usage is reduced to 3 simple
functionalities:
Speak & change the pitch while talking by sliding on the touch panel.
Touch the panel to start the sound and slide on to change the pitch.
Release to stop the sound.
Quickly raise or lower the volume level. To do so first touch the slider then
hold the setting button. This will start the sound and let you hear the
current volume. Sliding to the top will raise the volume, sliding down will
lower the volume. Release the settings button to confirm the desired
volume.
You can check the battery discharge level and the current intonational
mode. Press and hold the settings button only.
For 2 seconds the LED bar will show the remining capacity if the battery. If all
8 LED lights are on then the battery is fully charged, if less than 2 are on the
battery is about to run out and has to be recharged soon. A red light at the
bottom of the slider will turn on.
Then for a second all LEDs will go OFF and for an other second only one LED
will lite, corresponding to the number of current intonation mode.
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THE VARIETY OF MODES ARE COMBINED INTO THE FOLLOWING
GROUPS:
9. Intonational variations
Standard /by default/. Regardless of the touch position, the starting
pitch is fixed. Sliding up/down the slider will raise or lower the pitch.
Linear. The pitch depends only on the finger position on the slider.
Musical notes. The slider is divided into 8 zones and each presents
one note from the D Major range.
East Asian modulation. This is a variation of the linear mode.
Which tonal variation you choose depends on your preferences.
NOTE: Practice! It is recommended that you find the ¨sweet spot¨ first and
start speaking syllables and words, even short phrases, and then begin to
improvise with intonations.
10.Dynamic volume with a flat tone.
The pitch is equal to the last used. The volume changes with the
sliding of the finger along the slider.
11.The settings options are:
Switching the Start/Stop source. The sound can be started and
stopped by touching the touch panel or by the top cap.
Set the base pitch corresponding to the middle of the touch panel.
Factory reset.
Check our website for video tutorials.
SETTINGS
The procedure for selecting the mode of operation is a bit ¨hidden¨ to
simplify the everyday use of the electrolarynx. It is expected these selections
and adjustments to be performed rarely or only at the beginning of usage. A
speech therapist can set them according to the user preferences.
Labex Inspiration User Manual, Date: 20 April 2020, # 7
Anyway, it is a simple procedure that can be done unlimited times. In
addition, the device can always be reset to the base settings –the state it
came from the factory.
12. List of all 8 modes of operation.
#1 Standard intonation mode: Regardless of where you touch on the slider
the sound will start at the same Base Pitch. Sliding your finger up and
down will raise or lower the pitch, respectively.
#2 Linear intonation mode: Тhe pitch of the sound depends on the position
of the finger at which you touch the slider. Touching close to the top will
give a higher start pitch, touching close to the bottom will set the initial
pitch lower. Then you can slide your finger up and down to change the
pitch higher and lower, respectively.
#3 Volume mode: Sliding the finger up and down on the slider changes the
volume up and down, respectively. The pitch remаins unchanged and
flat, equal to the last used pitch.
#4 East Asian modulation: The slider is separated into five distinct zones
with flat tones and quick transitions in between. This mode is specifically
designed for East Asian languages.
#5 Musical notes mode: The slider is divided into 8 zones and each presents
one note from the D Major range.
#6 Automatic START/STOP source switch:
Choosing this mode will switch the source for automatic START/STOP
function. Entering this mode will exchange the control point between
the slider and the top of the working cap. When top cap is enabled, the
device will start producing sound automatically as soon as you press the
top cap to your neck. To go back to starting the sound from the slider
touch, select the mode one more time.
#7 Factory reset:
Choosing this option will revert the device to its factory settings.
#8 Base Pitch Select:
Base Pitch is the starting pitch in the Standard Intonation mode and the
pitch of the middle of the slider in the Linear Intonation mode.
Labex Inspiration User Manual, Date: 20 April 2020, # 8
When this option is selected, the device will start emitting sound on its
own. Slide your finger up and down the slider to change the pitch. When
you reach the desired pitch, press the SETTINGS button to confirm it.
Note: You can switch the source for automatic START/STOP function,
regardless of which intonation variation is currently active.
13. How to enter and switch between the modes.
As explained above the Labex Inspiration has several working modes. Here is
the procedure to select different modes of operation.
1) The unit must be in off state. If it is ON, turn OFF the device using the
ON/OFF switch.
2) Press the SETTINGS button and hold it pressed.
3) While holding the SETTINGS button turn ON the device using the
ON/OFF switch (and keep the SETTINGS button pressed). Watch the 8
segments LED bar indicator. The RED at the bottom of the slider blinks and
the first bar of the LED indicator will light up.
4) If you keep holding the SETTINGS button after 3 seconds the second bar
of the LED will light up in addition to the first one. After another 3 seconds
the third bar on the LED indicator will light up too, and so on up to the eight
LED of the bar.
5) Releasing the SETTING button will enter the mode number, equal to the
count of the LEDs ON at the moment of releasing the SETTINGS button.
(Check up the list in the previous point).
EXAMPLE: If you want to choose option #3 - Turn off the device. - Hold the
SETTINGS button. - Turn on the device while holding the SETTINGS button. -
The first LED bar will light up. Continue to hold the SETTINGS until first 3 LEDs
lights steady and RELEASE the SETTINGS button.
BATTERY
14. Check the battery level
While the device is turned ON, press and hold the SETTINGS button for about
2 seconds. The LED indicator on the slider will fill up corresponding to the
Labex Inspiration User Manual, Date: 20 April 2020, # 9
battery charge level. Just like on your mobile phone. If all or nearly all LEDs
light up, that means the battery is close to full. If there are only one or two
LEDs light up, then your battery should be charged soon.
Note: When the battery capacity is lower than the first LED, the device will
stop emitting sound, and a red LED will light up every time you touch the
touch slider or the top cap. At that point you have to charge the device.
15. Charging the battery
To charge the device plug the provided USB cable in the USB port at the
bottom of the device. Plug the other end of the provided USB cable into the
provided USB charger and plug the charger in a wall socket. The Green and
Red LEDs at the bottom of the device should light up. When your device
become fully charged the Red LED turns off.
Note: The device will not work while charging. This is a safety requirement
regarding the EMC standards requirements.
Note: If you find that the battery in your device can not hold a charge for
more than one hour of use, there is a possibility that the integrated battery is
near the end of its life cycle. If this happens during or outside the included
warranty period, please contact your local distributor or Labex Trade Ltd. at
CARING FOR YOUR DEVICE
16.Cleaning and maintenance:
Since the device is in constant contact with skin and other surfaces, it should
be cleaned at least once every 24 hours. For the best hygiene practices, the
following procedure should be followed:
Clean the outside surfaces of the device with a slightly wet soft
microfiber cloth.
After cleaning all the surfaces, you can disinfect the device by applying a
small amount of disinfectant gel or alcohol. Alternatively, alcohol wipes
can be used.
Wipe the device with a soft microfiber cloth again.
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INFORMATION
17.Warnings
Do not submerge the device underwater. Do not wash the device under
running water. This will potentially damage the device.
Do not try to disassemble the device under any circumstances. This will
permanently void your warranty.
Do not use any third-party chargers or charging cables. Use the original
ones provided in the box. Using any other charging equipment could
potentially damage the battery or the device.
Do not insert any part of the electrolarynx or any accessories into the
stoma.
Do not burn or physically damage the battery.
Do not short-circuit a cell or battery.
The device contains a strong magnet that may interfere with
pacemakers or other implantable devices. Consult with your physician
before use.
Please note that due to the nature of the electrolarynges and the principle of
their use, the device is not intended to be used by multiple people, shared
use, and second-hand use. Due to the contact of the device to the user's
neck, stoma, or other cavities - the device is for personal use only!
Once a person has used the device, it should not be used by anyone else.
Because of this fact, the included warranty provided by Labex Trade Ltd. is
non-transferable.
WARRANTY
All Labex devices come with a limited 2-year warranty from the date of
purchase. The warranty period of a replacement electrolarynx or part lasts as
long as the remaining warranty of the original electrolarynx.
This Limited Warranty covers any defects in material or workmanship under
normal use according to the User Manual during the Warranty Period.
Labex Inspiration User Manual, Date: 20 April 2020, # 11
During the Warranty Period, Labex Trade Ltd. will repair or replace, at no
charge, products or parts of a product that proves defective because of
improper material or workmanship, under normal use and maintenance.
This Limited Warranty is not transferable.
This Limited Warranty does not cover any problem that is caused by:
Conditions, malfunctions or damage not resulting from defects in
material or workmanship.
Conditions, malfunctions or damage resulting from negligence, improper
maintenance or modification.
Damaged or destroyed by natural causes including but not limited to
lightning, flood, or another natural disaster - Theft or loss of the EL.
Shipping charges as well as the risk of loss or damage to the electrolarynx
while in transit to Labex Trade Ltd are taken care of by the customer. The
back shipping is covered by the Company.
18. Information on Disposal for Users of WEEE:
This symbol on the product box and/or accompanying documents means that used electrical
and electronic equipment (WEEE) should not be mixed with general household waste. For
proper treatment, recovery, and recycling, please take this product(s) to designated
collection points where it will be accepted free of charge. Alternatively, in some countries,
you may be able to return your products to your local retailer upon the purchase of an
equivalent new product. Disposing of this product correctly will help save valuable resources
and prevent any potential negative effects on human health and the environment, which
could otherwise arise from inappropriate waste handling. Please contact your local authority
for further details of your nearest designated collection point. Penalties may be applicable
for incorrect disposal of this waste, in accordance with your national legislation.
For professional users in the European Union, if you wish to discard electrical and electronic
equipment (EEE), please contact your dealer or supplier for further information.
For disposal in countries outside of the European Union: This symbol is only valid in the
European Union (EU). If you wish to discard this product, please contact your local
authorities or dealer and ask for the correct method of disposal.
Labex Inspiration User Manual, Date: 20 April 2020, # 12
19. Contact information
LABEX TRADE LTD.
59 Sankt Peterburg Blvd., Floor 6, 4017 Plovdiv, Bulgaria, European Union
T: +359 32 54 9090, M: +359 878 616 711
For more information visit https://labextrade.com
20. Safe storage:
Store in a dark and dry place.
Store the device and its accessories in its original box.
Store in temperatures between -20°C to +45°C.
21.Technical specifications
General:
Adjustable tone
Yes
Adjustable
volume
Yes
Frequency range
55 - 155 Hz
Volume range
60-83 dB
Different modes
of operation
5 modes
Speech time
Up to 24 h.
Charging time
from 0 to 45%
60min with
Labex charger
Charging time
from 0 to 100%
3h 15min with
Labex charger
Connector
Micro USB
USB Charging
Battery Charging
Specification 1.2
Input power:
5V 1.5A max.
Physical:
Diameter x
Length
Ø 32 x 123 mm
Weight
186 g
Body material
Premium Polished
Stainless Steel
Top cap material
ABS
plastic
Battery:
Capacity
3400 mAh
Battery type
3.7V Li-Ion
Battery model
Custom Pack
Cell
manufacturer
LG Chemical
Battery life
More than
3 Years
Protection
Smart electronics
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