[ Contents | Search | Next | Previous | Up ]
From: Vikram Dayalu
Date: 09 Oct 2004
Time: 00:00:16 -0500
Remote Name: 68.36.15.209
The speecheasy device uses Altered Auditory Feedback (AAF) and I would like to focus on the science behind it rather than getting into the specifics of this particular device and the factors related to its prescription. AAF has been extensively investigated in the area of stuttering amelioration. Its use results in an immediate reduction of stuttering moments and the resultant speech output in natural sounding. The speech produced under this feedback condition may still contain some stuttered moments; nevertheless, the dramatic reduction cannot be denied. This reduction in stuttering moments does not require the client to have any previous experience with these effects and very little training is needed to facilitate relatively stutter-free speech. As detailed in several research articles and from my own experience of testing nearly 200 people who stutter under these effects, approximately 80 % of PWS experience some change in their stuttering levels when they compare their speech with and without speaking under these effects. Now, for reasons that we are not fully aware of, some people who stutter are more susceptible to these effects and exhibit a more dramatic effect (sometimes as high as a 90 % decrease in stuttering symptoms). So I would say that the responses (i.e., the reduction of stuttering moments under AAF) are on a continuum. Further, the reduction of stuttering moments under the influences of AAF is robust i.e., these effects do not fade away with prolonged use. This fluent speech can be generalized to more natural speaking environments and speaking tasks (monologues and conversations). Further these effects have been tried out with children who stutter and the results are promising. Finally, I should state that these effects do offer a truly viable treatment option for people who stutter. Yes, an option that can be easily tested. All that needs to be done is to try out these effects and see if these changes in altered feedback reduce stuttering frequency. As the changes are immediate and evident, it is an efficient and economical option that can be exercised by a person who stutters. The decision then rests on the client and the SLP to make a decision pertaining to the specific treatment option that needs to be followed (i.e., either pursue the SpeechEasy Program, a speech retraining program or a combination). Vikram