Review of Toobaloo for Speech Therapy: Features, Benefits & User Experiences
Roxanne Pelchat - May 13, 2024
Have you heard of Toobaloo? This phone-shaped tool helps kids with speech, reading and writing difficulties by providing auditory feedback. Keep reading to find out more about the Toobaloo, how and when to use it, and read a speech-language pathologist’s experience using it.
What is the Toobaloo Tool
The Toobaloo tool, created by a teacher, gives auditory feedback to the person using it. The Toobaloo is shaped and used like a phone. The speaker talks in the receiver and hears their own voice into the transmitter end of the phone. The Toobaloo amplifies the speaker’s voice. This means they can whisper in the phone and hear themselves – all without disrupting their surroundings. It’s the perfect tool to use during learning sessions, both in class or at home.
But what is it for? A child might benefit from the Toobaloo in various learning situations, notably including:
- Pronouncing words
- Reading fluency and comprehension
- Reviewing writing
Hearing themselves talk will allow children to notice discrepancies in their speech, such as when they say or read a word incorrectly. Toobaloo supports the child through this auditory feedback. When a child notices an error, they can review it by repeating the word.
During reading, Toobaloo helps improve comprehension through immediate feedback. Toobaloo can be used from the age of 4 and can support persons of any reading level.
Toobaloo is lightweight (1,02 oz), made of resistant plastic and can be hand washed. Thanks to its small dimensions (6.5” x 1.75” x 2.75”), it can be stowed away easily in a school desk, backpack, or anywhere at home.
Toobaloo: An SLP’s Review
Methodology & Process
Although the Toobaloo itself has not been a main focus of research, auditory feedback is thoroughly researched. For many years, researchers have been studying the impact of auditory feedback on learning.
The Toobaloo phone is based on the auditory feedback principle. But what is auditory feedback? It can be described as the action of listening to yourself as you speak. It has been shown time and time again to be an essential component in speech development. It is also a well-known method to treat a variety of disorders and difficulties. For example, stuttering, dysgraphia, and speech sound disorders.
The Toobaloo phone augments the volume and clarity of one’s voice. It allows a person to focus on their auditory feedback more clearly. They can then bring necessary corrections to their verbal outputs.
Teaching Strategies
The Toobaloo phone is a turnkey tool. It is designed to be adaptable to the individual needs of each user. Its simplicity and effectiveness allow for personalized usage tailored to specific speech and reading challenges. This individualized approach ensures that children can progress at their own pace and focus on areas that need improvement.
I like to recommend the use of this phone for kids presenting reading difficulties. Note that the Toobaloo headset does not have to be utilized by a certified specialist. If a parent is curious to try it, they should go for it.
The child will usually have to go through a short adjustment period. Not because the tool is hard to use, but especially to remember to routinely use the Toobaloo. An important part of the teaching approach of this tool is to teach the student autonomy. Implanting the tool during given learning periods is key. I like to first teach a child to use it systematically for a given task. They can slowly get acquainted with the Toobaloo phone and use it when necessary. For example, if reading comprehension is particularly difficult for one person, the targeted goal will be for them to reach for the Toobaloo as soon as a reading task is introduced.
It should be noted that the Toobaloo does not have to be recommended or prescribed to be used by a person. Neither does a child need a particular diagnosis to use it. If the tool helps a person, then it should be used as needed!
Impact
As a speech-language pathologist, I observed many positive impacts when using the Toobaloo tool for speech therapy. Notably, an increased independent behavior in children when they use the Toobaloo. The students are able to read with better fluency and, therefore, better understand what they are reading. This gives them more chances for success and a feeling of achievement in school tasks that can be challenging for them.
It also adds a much needed element of fun to tasks that are normally more difficult for children. This playful aspect encourages students to grab the tool for self-support during tasks.
When implemented, the Toobaloo phone helps to develop speech, reading, and writing abilities. This in return has long-term effects on the child’s various skills. Improved speech, language and reading skills can be noted as well as academic success for the child.
It also positively reflects in the strategies they use. For example, when a misunderstanding occurs during reading, a child might want to directly ask for the adult’s help. While this strategy is adequate, developing autonomy in children is important. With the Toobaloo, they will learn to read a second time when they misread or misunderstand a particular sentence. This will slowly bring them to realize their potential and ability to work on their own, without reaching for help right away. Perhaps most importantly, their self-esteem and confidence will most likely increase.
Cost
The Toobaloo phone can be purchased through a variety of online retailers. Its price varies between 4.99$ and 11.99$. Its various and simple uses and its many benefits render the cost-effectiveness very advantageous.
Support
The Toobaloo phone can be used by the speech-language pathologist, during therapy. But other people and settings are also appropriate for using the tool. Considering that the user does not need to speak loudly, it can be used in the classroom. Furthermore, a teacher could decide to implement the Toobaloo with all students to practice auditory feedback strategies. It can also be used in other settings, for example, at home with the support of a parent.
User reviews
The Toobaloo is a sure value for students of all ages with learning difficulties. With a 4.3+ star rating and an accessible price on Amazon, the Toobaloo is a must-try for students with difficulty.
In these Amazon ratings and reviews, the users (often parents) praise the merits of the reading phone. Reading comprehension and pronunciation are the areas where most improvements are reported. The auditory feedback is often said to help kids slow down when they read. It even allows them to adjust the volume of their voice, whether it’s too soft or too loud.
While many of the commenters mention having had the Toobaloo recommended by an educational professional, a recommendation is not required. The parents who reviewed the product often describe it as playful and easy to use. The instinctual aspect of the tool renders it usable for any user, even without prior practice.
On the other hand, some users were less satisfied by the feebleness of the tool. A few users mentioned that the tool easily broke when used more roughly by toddlers. Some of the younger users also did not show much interest in the Toobaloo.
Strengths of the Toobaloo Tool
Education professionals are often racking their brains to find ways to support students. What I enjoy the most about the Toobaloo tool is its sheer simplicity. Its use feels very instinctual considering it’s shaped like an item we use in our everyday lives.
The Toobaloo has many tangible benefits: a compact size, a fun shape, and sturdiness. it presents even more benefits at the level of learning.
When it comes to speech, the Toobaloo can be used to help with many difficulties and impairments. Speech sound difficulties and stuttering are the first ones that come to mind. Auditory comprehension and short-term memory can also be targeted with the Toobaloo.
My main use of the phone is for reading and writing with children with dyslexia. Especially, when a child is presenting important difficulties decoding words. When they struggle to read words, the Toobaloo comes into play. In a certain way, I find that the Toobaloo can substitute the presence of a reader in tasks where a child might need one.
I find that few therapy tools and activities teach students autonomy and independence. For this, Toobaloo is a diamond in the rough and my go-to tool.
Areas for Improvement
While it is an interesting tool, a few elements of the whisper phone could be improved.
In schools, I noticed that the use of the Toobaloo was generally limited. Many teachers would only use the reading phone uniquely for this: reading. Notably, it would be interesting, upon purchase, to receive a booklet with suggestions of activities. Many simple ideas to work on speech, reading and writing could be suggested to the user.
Again, in schools, there is a concern with hygiene. As a S-LP, I prioritize tools and games made with hygienic materials. This means that I will generally opt for quick and easy-to-clean materials. Ideally, the Toobaloo would need to be washed with water and soap after every use, especially when the user changes. In a classroom, this makes shareability practically impossible.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Toobaloo is an interesting tool to use with children who are experiencing speech, language and reading difficulties. Through auditory feedback, the child can better identify incorrect sounds, words or phrases said. This in return helps the child to self-correct and improve their difficulties. The reading phone is a turnkey tool that can be used by anyone during learning tasks.
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Provides immediate auditory feedback, aiding in speech, reading, and writing improvement. | ❌ Poor plastic quality as some users report that the tool easily breaks when used by younger children. |
| ✅ Lightweight and portable, making it easy to carry and store. | ❌ Limited use observed in schools. |
| ✅ Cost-effective, with prices ranging from $4.99 to $11.99. | ❌ Limited long-term research data on its effectiveness. |
| ✅ Can be used by anyone, including parents and teachers, without needing a specialist’s recommendation. | ❌ Toobaloo’s effect is limited to improved speech & reading skills. |
| ✅ Adds a fun element to learning tasks, encouraging children to use it for self-support. |
Our Methodology: How We Reviewed the Toobaloo Tool
All opinions and claims made in this article are backed by research on auditory feedback, people’s experiences, and a breakdown of how to use the Toobaloo phone.
- Evidence-Based Approach: To write this article, I researched the Toobaloo phone and took into consideration the evidence-based approach of the auditory feedback principle. The numerous studies on auditory feedback support the use and efficacy of the reading phone.
- User reviews: It is important to consider the reviews of education professionals as well as parents for the use of this tool. We checked online reviews to find insights on the use of the Toobaloo at home. The parents’ online reviews are an interesting component that provides input from those using the Toobaloo outside of an educational setting.
- Expert involvement: A speech-language pathologist reviewed the Toobaloo phone. The review was based on my personal experience with the Toobaloo, my observations on the field, and my professional expertise.
- This review of the Toobaloo was not sponsored. It is an honest opinion based on my own experience and using real user reviews.
Forbrain and Toobaloo as Complementary Speech Therapy Tools
Similar to the Toobaloo phone, Forbrain is an auditory feedback tool. It is a headset that allows the speaker to hear themselves. While the Toobaloo targets younger readers, Forbrain is a bit more technological. It amplifies and modulates the sound of voices to provide clear auditory feedback. You could say that Forbrain is the Toobaloo phone’s sophisticated big brother! The Toobaloo allows kids to learn to use auditory feedback in learning tasks. Once comfortable with the Toobaloo, the reader can graduate to Forbrain.
Comparison of Toobaloo and Forbrain Tools
| Feature/Aspect | Forbrain | Toobaloo |
| Functionality | Headset that helps with speech challenges by providing verbal memory, phonological awareness, and verbal processing speed improvements. The dynamic filter and bone conduction amplify the speaker’s voice, stimulating the auditory nerve for better brain processing. | Phone-shaped tool providing auditory feedback to improve speech & reading. It amplifies the speaker’s voice, allowing children to hear themselves clearly and correct errors in real-time. |
| Usability | Meant to be implemented into daily routines, for 10-20 minutes a day. Individuals simply need to wear the headset when reading or speaking. | Children speak into it and hear their own voice clearly. Suitable for use during learning sessions at home or in class. Lightweight and portable. |
| Target Audience | Suitable for 3+ and older individuals with speech challenges. | Designed for children 4 years and older with speech, reading, and writing difficulties. |
| Benefits | Forbrain helps to improve: – speech – communication – attention – focus – memory – learning | Tobaloo helps to improve: – pronunciation- reading fluency and comprehension |
| Limitations | Not appropriate for individuals with : – cochlear implant – severe hearing loss – epilepsy | Fragile: may not be suitable for young children who might handle it roughly. Some children might show less interest in using it. |
| Cost | $299 for the Forbrain headset and accessories, with a 2-year warranty. | The Toobaloo phone costs between $4.99 and $11.99, depending on the retailer. |
| Support & Resources | Forbrain comes with: – A secondary microphone that allows support from parents, therapists, or instructors. – A headphone jack for listening to recordings or participating in online therapy programs. | Toobaloo can be used by speech-language pathologists, teachers, or parents. It’s simple to implement in various settings, including classrooms and homes. |
| Clinical Evidence/Research | Forbrain uses neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to rewire and change. Several scientific studies have shown the effects of using Forbrain or auditory feedback to improve the skills of those with reading or other deficits. | The Toobaloo tool is based on the auditory feedback principle, which is well-researched and proven effective in speech development and treating various speech disorders. |
Final Words
The Toobaloo phone is a tool that deserves to be better known. If your child has speech, reading or writing difficulties, the Toobaloo is to consider. Through auditory feedback the child will learn to be conscious of their errors. This then allows the student to progress in various learning spheres by self-supporting.
The Toobaloo phone has various benefits. Its affordable price and small, portable size is an obvious one. But its impacts on reading and pronunciation outweigh its physical characteristics. People with dyslexia, speech sound disorders and other difficulties can benefit from Toobaloo. Consistent use at school and at home renders noticeable progress and increased autonomy. If your child is in need of a nudge during reading tasks, consider giving the Toobaloo a try.
References
Danna, J., Fontaine, M., Paz-Villagrán, V., Gondre, C., Thoret, E., Aramaki, M., Kronland-Martinet, R., Ystad, S., & Velay, J.-L. (2015). The effect of real-time auditory feedback on learning new characters. Human Movement Science, 43, 216–228. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.humov.2014.12.002
Lincoln, M., Packman, A., & Onslow, M. (2006). Altered auditory feedback and the treatment of stuttering: A review. Journal of Fluency Disorders, 31(2), 71–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfludis.2006.04.001
Terband, H., van Brenk, F., & van Doornik-van der Zee, A. (2014). Auditory feedback perturbation in children with developmental speech sound disorders. Journal of Communication Disorders, 51, 64–77. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcomdis.2014.06.009
Toobaloo. (n.d.). Learning Loft. Retrieved May 20, 2024, from https://www.learning-loft.com/products/toobaloo
Roxanne Pelchat
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