Ursula Zsilavecz, Corné Wright & Rebecca Berry

Introduction

Stuttering is a communication disorder, which impacts on the social quality of life. The role of audition in stuttering has attracted a great deal of speculation and controversy, yet research has not addressed this topic adequately to date. Over the past decades technology has become more advanced and the electronic devices more sophisticated. Electronic devices offer a range of different kinds of feedback. The different types of auditory feedback offered by these electronic devices are frequency-altered feedback (FAF), delayed (DAF) or masking noise. From previous research it is evident that individuals who stutter react differently to different types of auditory feedback. For this reason the challenge for the speech therapist lies in offering the client as many as possible valid treatment programmes, especially one that addresses the uniqueness of the client.

To date there a dearth of information exists on the long-term effects on fluency of electronic devices. Some questions posed are whether these devices should be used only in the therapy to enhance proprioception or as an assistive device in conjunction with therapy. There is also a need to identify indicators, which would guide therapists in appropriate decision-making with regard to effective intervention programmes. Electronic devices are costly and should these devices not meet the needs of the client who stutters the question arises whether these devices foster false expectations.

Two separate undergraduate studies at the Univesity of Pretoria attempted to answer some of the research questions therapists have; namely what the perceptions of users and non users are regarding these devices as well as the perceptions and personality types of individuals who chose to use devices.

Design and Method

The aim of the first study was to determine the perceptions and attitudes of persons who stutter with regard to the effectiveness and value of the Speech Easy® device.

The second study investigated the self perceptions of people who stutter and receive therapy either using conventional methods or electronic device. In the introduction the student reflects on various intervention approaches and highlights the need for a holistic approach to stuttering therapy.

A qualitative, non-experimental descriptive research design was followed. Subjects comprised of people who stutter who were users of the devices, as well as non-users. Questionnaires were compiled for each group. A preliminary study was performed to determine the validity, reliability and errors in the questionnaires.

Results and conclusion

Results indicated that users of the Speech Easy® device were highly satisfied. The non-user group stated that traditional therapeutic methods were effective to reduce stuttering. Results might provide therapists with valuable information regarding views and perceptions of users and non-users of the Speech Easy® device.

In the second study regarding personal perceptions and personality types indicated that individuals with a chronic severe stuttering pattern does not necessarily choose to use a device and often relies on conventional therapy.