Wellness
Woman who hasn’t been able to speak since she was 30 “talks” to husband for 1st time in years
They were the most beautiful words he's heard in a long time. 🥹
Jessica Adler
01.16.24

In a remarkable turn of events, a wife and mother who had lost her ability to speak, found herself laughing and cracking jokes with her family.

This wasn’t a scripted moment. It was Anne’s new reality.

YouTube - UC San Francisco
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YouTube - UC San Francisco

The magic behind Anne’s regained voice is a device known as an electrocorticography grid.

This sophisticated piece of technology, fitted snugly onto Anne’s skull, works by capturing the subtle movements of her facial muscles.

It’s a significant leap from her previous, cumbersome communication device, translating her intentions into speech with remarkable clarity.

YouTube - UC San Francisco
Source:
YouTube - UC San Francisco

The brains behind this life-changing technology are the dedicated team at the Chang Lab.

Their work transcends the realms of wires and codes.

It’s about reigniting the essence of human connection for people like Anne, who have lost their voice to unforeseen circumstances.

They focus on restoring those everyday interactions – the simple “I missed you” or “How was your day?” – that many take for granted.

YouTube - UC San Francisco
Source:
YouTube - UC San Francisco

Imagine being an active 30-year-old, playing volleyball, and then suddenly waking up to a world of silence.

With two young children looking up to her, Anne faced this daunting new reality with inspiring courage, adapting to a life without her voice.

YouTube - UC San Francisco
Source:
YouTube - UC San Francisco

Before the advent of this groundbreaking technology, having a conversation was a test of patience for Anne.

Her old communication device was slow and inefficient, akin to trying to chat using Morse code.

With this new technology, Anne finds herself chatting away, marveling at how she ever managed with the old device.

YouTube - UC San Francisco
Source:
YouTube - UC San Francisco

Anne’s story marks just the beginning of a new era in communication technology.

It opens up a world of possibilities for countless others who are waiting for their voices to be heard, and for their stories to be told.

This technological advancement aims to fulfill dreams and promises a brighter future for many.

YouTube - UC San Francisco
Source:
YouTube - UC San Francisco

The team at Chang Lab has been working on this project for over a decade.

For them, it’s a personal mission. Their goal extends beyond helping Anne.

They are committed to bringing voices back to many others who yearn to be heard, to be part of the conversation again.

YouTube - UC San Francisco
Source:
YouTube - UC San Francisco

The beauty of Anne’s story lies in the mundane yet profound moments.

Chatting with her son about the Blue Jays, making weekend plans, or simply sharing a laugh, all of these bring her tremendous joy now.

These moments underscore that sometimes, the most profound joys are found in the simplest of conversations.

YouTube - UC San Francisco
Source:
YouTube - UC San Francisco

Anne’s outcome can’t help but give rise to hope for a better future for many people who are in similar situations.

See Anne talk to her husband for the first time in years below!

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