A survey of Australian adult users of altered auditory feedback devices for stuttering: use patterns, perceived effectiveness and satisfaction.
OBJECTIVE
Small portable devices that provide delayed auditory feedback (DAF) and/or frequency altered feedback (FAF) have been developed and marketed to clinicians and people who stutter as fluency enhancing aids for use in everyday speaking situations. The literature contains many laboratory-based reports about the impact of altered auditory feedback (AAF) on the speech of people who stutter but few reports about its use in everyday speaking situations. This paper investigates use patterns and perceptions of the effectiveness and satisfaction with AAF devices.


METHODS
The current study surveys 14 Australian AAF users.


RESULTS
The survey responses revealed varied opinions about AAF devices and their use and effectiveness in everyday speaking situations. Opinions were somewhat related to the type of device used.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study provide some important directions for future research. In particular there is need to investigate the effectiveness of AAF devices when used in conjunction with other traditional treatments.
Lincoln
Michelle
M
School of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Lidcombe, NSW, Australia. M.Lincoln@usyd.edu.au
Walker
Clare
C
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D003625:Data Collection; D005246:Feedback; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013070:Speech Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D013342:Stuttering / Q000628:therapy*; D014705:Verbal Behavior