Abstract: The present disclosure provides generally for a wearable assistance device and software that may provide a measure of feedback to prompt a speaker to alter or change their vocal loudness as appropriate. According to the present disclosure, an assistance device may pair with other devices to facilitate, simplify, or amplify this feedback. The assistance device may also keep track of a speaker's progress, offer training and calibration modules, and learn when a speaker is more likely to need prompting. The assistance device may be part of a series of interchangeable assistance devices with similar functionality to be swapped out as needed by the speaker. The assistance devices may also have distance and situational awareness to alter its settings, either initiated by the speaker or on its own, to prompt a speaker appropriately.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to breathing methods and devices, which increase intra-airway pressure, thus causing a positive expiratory pressure (PEP) which is not airflow dependent. Specifically, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides methods that utilize a pressure relief valve, preferably a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) valve, for providing positive expiratory pressure (PEP). The PEP is caused by directing the flow of gases exhaled by the patient through the PEEP valve, so that gases must be exhaled against the PEEP valve held closed by threshold pressure. In this way, gases exhaled by the patient are subject to positive exhalation pressure set by the threshold pressure, which in turn increase the pressure in the patient's airway. When the expiratory pressure exceeds the threshold pressure of the valve, the valve opens and air is exhaled.