Application of a digital speech aid in stuttering patients

Abstract The aim of this paper is to present the clinical efficacy of a digital speech aid using delayed auditory feedback (DAF) and frequency-shifted auditory feedback (FAF) in stuttering patients. The device has been applied to 130 patients aged 6–47 years old, 90% of the patients had previously had various kinds of rehabilitation, mostly speech therapy with disappointing outcomes. A total of 110 subjects, i.e., 85% of the patients, had statistically significant instant improvement of speech fluency after application of digital speech aid. After completing diagnostic process, the patients were enrolled for the rehabilitation program which comprised of training with the use of speech aid, speech therapy, psychotherapy, audio-psycho-linguistic stimulation with use of the Tomatis Method, physiotherapy, relaxation exercises, phoniatric rehabilitation, and medical therapy. After 6 months of therapy and rehabilitation, a statistically significant improvement of speech fluency was found in 124 patients, i.e., in 96%. The therapeutic programme based on the use of digital speech aid proves effective for the majority of stuttering patients.