Voice Dictation Software and Headsets for those with Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity

Because I have Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS), I can only use a computer keyboard for a couple of hours per day. The more I type, the more pain I experience. My inability to type on the computer interferes with my ability to work from home, correspond via email, pay bills, and perform other tasks on the computer. I recently discovered that by using voice dictation software, I can significantly increase how much I can do on the computer.

I purchased Dragon NaturallySpeaking dictation software. (see below) This is a great program, but I discovered that having a good quality microphone is essential for accurate dictation. Therefore, I purchased the following headset: Andrea Electronics C1-1022600-50 model NC-185 VM USB High Fidelity Stereo USB Computer Headset with Noise Canceling Microphone and Volume/Mute Controls. I am amazed at how accurate the dictation is with the combination of the Dragon software and the Andrea headset. After researching online, I noticed that many other people had the same experience: a good quality headset or microphone is essential for accurate dictation.


I purchased the "Standard" version of Dragon years ago, and it does not allow me to do voice recognition on an mp3. Performing voice recognition on an mp3 may be a good feature for a person with EHS because, if you have an accurate voice recorder and a good microphone, you could do dictation without the computer on, and perform the voice recognition later. If you need that feature, make sure you purchase the proper version of Dragon.

I also have chemical sensitivity and did not have problems with the Andrea having chemicals on it that make me ill. It is a gamble for me to purchase electronic equipment because it sometimes has solvents or other chemicals on it that make me sick. Because I am chemically sensitive, I do not actually put the headset on my head. I just put the headset up high on a table so I can speak into the microphone.

I purchased a USB headset because I wanted to bypass my computer’s soundcard. If the soundcard on the computer is not very good, that can interfere with the quality of the dictation. After reading websites that reviewed headsets and microphones, I felt like I needed to buy a very expensive headset to achieve accurate dictation. However, I am very pleased with the accuracy I can get with the Andrea headset and I’m glad I did not spend a lot more for a more expensive headset. If price was not a factor, I might have purchased one of the following microphones:

Sennheiser ME 3: The reviews on this headset are very good. Also, because it is only a microphone and does not have speakers, that may decrease the amount of electromagnetic radiation. Also, a person with EHS will want to avoid purchasing a wireless headset and I believe there is a similar model that is a wireless headset so I wanted to flag that issue.

Speechware TableMikes: This product may also be a good option for a person with EHS because you do not need to put your mouth close to the microphone. The website states: "The TableMikes feature an industry first 'Speech Equaliser (EQ)' and 'Automatic Gain Control (AGC)' or Amplifier which allows for an unprecedented long-range and variable dictation distance (up to 50 cm or 20") with very high accuracy . . . ."

My system for voice dictation

I first write out what I will say. Then, I turn on the computer and do the dictation. This system minimizes the amount of time that I am close to the computer and the headset. Dragon allows me to dictate directly into a word processor and I use Microsoft Word. I position the headset about as far away from the computer as it will reach. I am considering purchasing a USB extension cord to increase the distance but I am not sure whether it will work with my headset. Also, if it will work, I may need a powered USB cable, especially if it is a long USB extension cord. I also increase the font size so I can read it from where I am dictating. I am impressed with how quickly I can produce a significant amount of content--for me, dictating seems to be almost as fast as typing!

Good luck!

Space Heaters for those with Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity

    I found two brands of space heaters that have worked really well for me and I thought I would write a post on this topic. I have Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS), and devices with an electric motor seem to emit a lot of electromagnetic radiation. For example, blenders, vacuum cleaners, and the electric motors in hybrid cars cause me significant discomfort. The fan in forced air space heaters is powered by an electric motor, and I do not tolerate those types of heaters very well. I do better with radiant heaters. The following two heaters worked well for me:

1. Honeywell baseboard heater (model number: HZ-519):



2. Optimus H-5210 Infrared Quartz Radiant Heater:


  
     I also have chemical sensitivity, and I could tolerate both types of heaters. However, I did turn the heaters on in the garage for a time until they gassed off sufficiently. The Honeywell heaters gassed off more quickly than the Optimus heater. We purchased five Honeywell heaters and one suddenly stopped working one day when the breaker tripped, so that heater no longer works. We have not had any problems with the Optimus heater.
    I have had to rely on electric heaters because I have chemical sensitivity and cannot tolerate our natural gas heating system. The natural gas also triggers my arthritis symptoms. A friend of ours who has EHS and chemical sensitivity recently installed some 220V ceramic glass heaters, but I am not sure which brand. Ceramic glass heaters are generally quite expensive, but are supposed to be good for those with chemical sensitivities. Also, to install a 220V heater, it would probably be necessary to hire an electrician.

UPDATE (05.18.13): We recently received a recall notice from Amazon.com for the Optimus heaters we purchased: "The heater design can fail to prevent ignition of nearby combustible materials that come in contact with the unit, posing a fire hazard." And, "The affected products were sold from October 2011 through December 2012 . . . ."

Product Review: NEO 2

    The NEO 2 is a keyboard with a small display screen. (see http://www.renlearn.com/neo2/). According to the company website, the NEO 2 can run up to 700 hours on three AA batteries. The NEO 2 reminds me of a big calculator, is very portable, and seems durable. It costs about $100.
    Because I have Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS), I can only use a computer keyboard for a couple of hours per day. I purchased the NEO 2 with the hope that I would be able to use it more than I can use my standard USB keyboard. The NEO does seem to emit significantly less electromagnetic radiation than a typical computer setup with a monitor, tower, keyboard, etc.
    To distance my hands from the keys, I fashioned a keyboard for my NEO 2 so that I could depress a plunger (of a few inches in length) for each key. I attached the USB cable included with the unit to a long USB extension cable so that I could transfer text files from the NEO 2 to my computer from a significant distance.
    As far as I can tell, the NEO 2 cannot browse the Internet. The dana model has quite a bit more functionality as far as software but at a significantly higher price ($350). (http://www.neo-direct.com/Dana/default.aspx).
    I also have chemical sensitivity, and the NEO 2 did not cause problems for me in that regard. In sum, the NEO 2 may be a good option to try for someone with EHS. However, I do not want to overstate the case—I still am quite limited in how long I can type on the NEO 2.

Product Review - Cellulon Magic Cube - Projection Keyboard

    Because I have Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS), I can only use a computer keyboard for about two hours per day. The longer I use a keyboard, the more pain I experience. I purchased the Cellulon Magic Cube with the hope that I would be able to use it instead of my USB keyboard. I bought the Magic Cube in November, 2012 for $150. (see http://www.celluon.com/products.php).
    The Magic Cube projects a laser image of a keyboard onto a table or other flat surface. It uses a motion sensor and infrared technology to detect which keys are being pressed. It also functions as a pointing device.
    Unfortunately, lasers and infrared can cause symptoms in people with EHS. Not long after I turned the device on, I could feel it from across the room. I tested it out but could not use it for very long because of the strong electromagnetic radiation. Based on my limited experience, I did not think the Magic Cube was accurate enough to use as a keyboard, but there are other sites that do a better job of reviewing the accuracy of the device. In sum, this is a nifty gadget, but likely unsuitable for those with EHS.