Ear devices have been on the market for many years and are available in many price ranges. These electronic aids either delay or alter the sound of one's voice, creating an echo, or play some sort of noise, both of which are known to reduce stuttering. However, it is also known that the effects may wear off over time. There is not enough data on the long-term effectiveness of the devices at this time - something the Stuttering Foundation is working to address.
Below is a list of electronic aids, software, and apps. Some people who stutter have found them to be helpful, particularly in limited situations, such as using the telephone or giving a speech.
Three million people in the United States stutter. So far no single method has proven to work for everyone, despite reports of "cures" through new treatments, drugs or devices. For these reasons, the Stuttering Foundation does not endorse any single approach to stuttering treatment.
Instead, we actively support research into the causes of stuttering in the hope of finding ever-better treatments. We encourage you to learn as much as possible about the many treatment options currently available and to choose what is best for your individual situation.
We also offer other resources, including a listings of speech-language pathologists specializing in stuttering therapy. Many of our publications are available free online or at your local library.
You may call us toll-free at 800-992-9392 or e-mail us at info@stutteringhelp.org.
An article on assistive technology
Note: The Stuttering Foundation of America does not warrant the efficacy of these devices nor guarantee their treatment in any way. This page is here for your information only. Appearing on this page is NOT an endorsement by the Stuttering Foundation.
SpeechEasy - $2,500 - $4,500
Janus Development Group, Inc.
112 Staton Road
Greenville, NC 27834
252-551-9042
Toll-free (877) 4-Fluency
www.speecheasy.com
These devices, worn like traditional hearing aids, use altered auditory feedback in the form of auditory delays & frequency shifts.
Casa Futura Technologies - $295 - $2,495
720 31st Street
Boulder, CO 80303
720-217-6589
www.casafuturatech.com
Software for Computers