Adult therapy and courses
Electronic fluency devices
BSA strongly recommends that, before purchasing an electronic fluency device, you seek an assessment from a speech and language therapist, to see if the device is likely to be suitable for you.
What are electronic fluency devices?
They are devices intended to help people who stammer produce more fluent speech. They use a technology called Altered Auditory Feedback (AAF) to relay your voice back to you as you speak.
Different types
 Single-component devices which fit into or around the ear, like hearing aids.
Multi-component devices consisting of a box about the size of a mobile phone, which is carried in the pocket, plus an earset and sometimes a separate microphone. The link from box to earset etc may be with or without a wire. A wireless link makes the device less visible, more like a single component device.
AAF telephone systems.
Devices available...
There is also software which can be used in conjunction with a hand-held (or desktop) computer or with a mobile phone.
Software available...
How do they work?
AAF devices take advantage of the 'choral effect' - a phenomenon well-known to many people who stammer, who find that they can produce fluent speech when they talk in unison with other people. The device relays your voice back to you either with a slight delay (Delayed Auditory Feedback or DAF) or with a slight alteration in pitch (Frequency-shifted Auditory Feedback or FAF), or may use both of these techniques. The alterations appear to produce a similar effect to speaking alongside another person. For a theory why this may help, see Heidi and her altered auditory feedback device.
Some devices can produce a hiss or buzz, which can be turned on to mask one's voice and help overcome a silent block (masking).
How well do they work?
To date there has not been any long-term, large-scale research which might help identify the effectiveness of electronic devices for different people in different situations.
The limited studies that have been carried out suggest a mixed picture, but it would be reasonable to think that about 60 per cent of people who stammer could find an electronic device helpful, these tending to be those whose stammering is more severe. There are unanswered questions about how long the benefits of a device might last.
A device can be used in conjunction with speech therapy - for example, to help you to practice techniques which previously were too difficult.
For more:
Electronic devices - Spring 2007 Speaking Out article which sets out some issues to consider.
Links to user experiences and articles...
How much do they cost?
These devices are expensive - normally over £1,000 for a multi-component device including FAF as well as DAF (though one without FAF is available for under £200 to stammering association members) and £3,000 or more for a single-component device.
Telephone systems and software are cheaper, but may not be as convenient for some people.
Can I get help with paying for one?
NHS
NHS funding for such devices is not generally available, although one supplier is making its device available to some NHS speech and language therapy departments so that patients can have the opportunity to try it.
Access to Work grants
If you are working, or wanting to start work, you may be able to obtain funding though the Access to Work scheme. You or your employer may need to pay part of the cost.
Jobcentre Plus policy at one stage was that they would not give Access to Work grants for fluency devices because they were medical equipment. However, following representations from the BSA, they have told us that they are now prepared to fund the devices for a trial period, following which they will review the situation again. In addition to the usual Access to Work eligibility criteria (see JobCentre Plus website and our article Access to career), applicants will need to have an assessment by a speech and language therapist, and to have used a fluency device for a trial period. If you are a BSA member, you can borrow a device from us in order to have a trial period.
If you have difficulties with the Access to Work application process, please let BSA know.
Employers
Alternatively, if you are in work and you feel that a device would make a big difference to the way you do your job, it may be worth asking your employer if they could provide financial support for you to buy a device.
Disabled Students' Allowances
If you are a student, Disabled Students' Allowances may be available to fund a device. There is a 'Skill' information booklet at www.skill.org.uk/uploads/he_dsa.doc. Official information and forms depend on where you normally live:
England: www.studentfinancedirect.co.uk - select either 'I am planning to go into further education' or 'I am a continuing student', then link to 'Forms and Guides' and scroll down to the 'Disabled Students Allowance' heading.
Scotland: www.saas.gov.uk/student_support/special_circumstances/disabled_students_allowance.htm
Wales: www.studentfinancewales.co.uk
Northern Ireland: www.studentfinanceni.co.uk
Trying a device on loan
The supplier of a device may offer a trial period. However, if you are a BSA member you can also borrow from us a (non-wireless) VoiceAmp device for the standard deposit of £250 for two weeks, refundable on good return of the device.
If you wish to borrow the device, you should send two cheques made payable to BSA: one for £250, and one for £6 to cover the postage by special delivery which is required for insurance purposes. We hold onto the £250 cheque and do not cash it unless there is a problem with the return of the device. There is a waiting list to borrow the device.
Other devices
Other devices which do not claim to use DAF or FAF.
More information
 List of AAF devices
List of software
User experiences and articles
 Adult therapy and courses - main page
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