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Speech-language pathologists evaluate and treat individuals who stutter. A few fluency strategies taught in fluency therapy are slow/easy speech, easy onsets, deep breathing, and strategic pausing. SLPs may also use auditory (hearing) feedback tools to improve a person’s fluency. Delayed auditory feedback (DAF) is a device used where the patient puts on headphones and the tool delays the sound of their voice by milliseconds. DAF helps to slow the rate of speech and ease the anxiety related to speaking.

Delayed auditory feedback is reported to stimulate the area in our brains responsible for processing sound information. DAF can help increase the individual’s awareness of their stutter and improve their self-monitoring skills. They can enhance their fluency by applying techniques learned in speech therapy. Practice using DAF in high-stress talking situations to meaningfully practice the implementation/use of the device. Additionally, DAF was found to reduce overactivity in the speech motor control area of the brain and decrease extraneous muscle movement when speaking. Ask your speech-language therapist about delayed auditory feedback (DAF) to learn more information.

References:

Casa Futura Technologies. (2024, March 9). Does delayed auditory feedback (DAF) help stuttering?. Does Delayed Auditory Feedback (DAF) Help Stuttering?
https://casafuturatech.com/delayed-auditory-feedback/

Delayed auditory feedback speech therapy benefits. SpeechEasy. (n.d.).
https://speecheasy.com/delayed-auditory-feedback-speech -therapy-benefits/#:~:text=DAF speech therapy works by,depending on the individual’s needs.