Randomized clinical trial: the use of SpeechEasy® in stuttering treatment. Issue 6 (8th June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ritto, Ana Paula; Juste, Fabiola Staróbole; Stuart, Andrew; Kalinowski, Joseph; de Andrade, Claudia Regina Furquim
• Is Part Of: International journal of language & communication disorders. Volume 51:Issue 6(2016)
• Page Start: 769
• Page End: 774
• Publication Date: 2016-06-08
• Subjects: stuttering -- therapy -- altered auditory feedback; Communicative disorders -- Periodicals; Speech therapy -- Periodicals; Speech disorders -- Periodicals; Language disorders -- Periodicals; 616.855
• DOI: 10.1111/1460-6984.12237
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-2822

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefit of devices delivering altered auditory feedback (AAF) as a therapeutic alternative for those who stutter. Aims: The effectiveness of a device delivering AAF (SpeechEasy®) was compared with behavioural techniques in the treatment of stuttering in a randomized clinical trial. Methods & Procedures: Two groups of adults who stutter participated: group 1 consisted of 10 men and one woman aged 21–42 years (mean = 30.0). Group 2 consisted of six men and one woman aged 20–50 years (mean = 35.6). Participants in group 1 were fit with a SpeechEasy® device and were not given any additional training (i.e., supplementary fluency enhancing techniques). Participants used the device daily for 6 months. Participants in group 2 received treatment in the form of a 12‐week fluency promotion protocol with techniques based on both fluency shaping and stuttering modification. Outcomes & Results: There were no statistically significant differences ( p > .05) between groups in participants' stuttered syllables following treatment. That is, both therapeutic protocols achieved approximately 40% reduction in number of stuttered syllables from baseline measures, with no significant relapse after 3 or 6 months post‐treatment. Conclusions & Implications: The results suggest that the SpeechEasy® device can be a viable option for the treatment of stuttering.