More research needed on using devices in real life

There is a growing interest in altered auditory feedback devices, of which SpeechEasy is the most sophisticated and expensive, starting from almost £3000. It's a big investment. How do you know it will work for you? The short answer is that it is a case of trial and error. Reading out loud in a quiet room seems to produce the best results, but from there, there has not been enough research to be able to make more general claims for the effectiveness of these devices. Nor do we know for sure if the effects are sustained, or wear off after continuous use.

In a survey of research during the past 10 years, the authors of a recent review say that the true effectiveness needs to be studied in everyday speaking situations over a much longer period of time than short samples of speech in a clinic allow. They suggest that consumer feedback over time is needed to be able to decide whether further detailed research is warranted.

Altered auditory feedback and the treatment of stuttering: a review
M. Lincoln et al. Journal of Fluency Disorders 31 (2006) 71, doi:10.1016/j.jfludis.2006.04.001

SpeechEasy research shows the effect differs for each person

The latest published research on SpeechEasy shows that most people who use it will have a reduction in stammering, but that it works much better for some people than for others. All participants in the study showed some reduction in stammering but the degree and pattern of benefit varied greatly across participants and was not directly linked to severity.

The survey tested 13 people in reading, monologue (3 minutes) and conversation (5 minutes) tasks in four stages. First, without the device, second, with the device, third, using the manufacturers recommendation to prolong the first vowel sound after taking a breath, and fourth, without the device after having used it, to see if there is a follow-on effect.

The most consistent result was that participants were much more fluent when reading, compared to a monologue or conversation. However, all participants stammered less when using the device compared to their speech before the tests.

When tested in monologue and in conversation, two groups emerged. Five of the 13 people showed a noticeable reduction in stammering and were interested in the device (four of whom were at the milder end of the spectrum). Another five (four of whom were more severe) had some reduction in stammering, but was not always noticed by them, and they were disappointed in the device. The other three participants showed more reduction in stammering when reading.

While providing nothing like a miracle cure, the researchers concluded that SpeechEasy and similar devices can be a viable option for people who stammer and that "they warrant serious, though caution consideration by the professional community."

The effect of SpeechEasy on stuttering frequency in laboratory conditions
J. Armson et al. Journal of Fluency Disorders 31 (2006) 137 - 152, doi:10.1016/j.jfludis.2006.04.004

Both articles are from the Autumn 2006 edition of Speaking Out, page 5

More information: Electronic fluency devices for altered auditory feedback devices