The application of digital speech processing to stuttering therapy

Abstract

This paper presents an effective and inexpensive speech therapy tool for individuals with speech stuttering problems. The tool, known as speech fluency treatment, takes the form of software combined with the computing power available in today's personal computers. The software is written to run under Windows 3.1 or Windows 95 on an IBM compatible computer equipped with multimedia capabilities. The software works by illustrating to the client (stuttering patient) when his/her speech is irregular or different from that directed by his/her clinician. Computer generated audio and visual cues are used to illustrate where the client's speech is different from that expected by the clinician. The real-time display of the average magnitude profile corresponding to the clients spoken utterance serves as visual feedback to the client. The client can visually compare their average magnitude profile to that of the reference utterance and alter their speech to match the reference as required. The onset, start and end locations, amplitude, and duration of the two average magnitude profiles are compared. A score is assigned corresponding to the client's performance in each of these categories. The clients learn to alter their speech sound and word rate, loudness, deration and onset in order to initiate and maintain speech fluency.