Randomized clinical trial: the use of SpeechEasy® in stuttering treatment.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the benefit of devices delivering altered auditory feedback (AAF) as a therapeutic alternative for those who stutter.



The effectiveness of a device delivering AAF (SpeechEasy®) was compared with behavioural techniques in the treatment of stuttering in a randomized clinical trial.



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.



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.



The results suggest that the SpeechEasy® device can be a viable option for the treatment of stuttering.
Department of Physiotherapy, Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences and Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Ana Paula
AP
Ritto
Department of Physiotherapy, Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences and Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Fabiola Staróbole
FS
Juste
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA.
Andrew
A
Stuart
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Allied Health Sciences, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA.
Joseph
J
Kalinowski
Department of Physiotherapy, Speech-Language and Hearing Sciences and Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil. clauan@usp.br.
Claudia Regina Furquim
CR
de Andrade
D000328:Adult; D056228:Feedback, Sensory; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013060:Speech; D013070:Speech Therapy; D013342:Stuttering / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
altered auditory feedback; stuttering; therapy