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Is there a cure for stammering? |
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Posted by Dr. Sachin
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Tuesday, 04 August 2009 11:29 |
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Drugs have not shown much promise. Among the electronic aids, Delayed Auditory Feedback (DAF) and Frequency shifted auditory Feedback (FAF) machines have been shown to help. These machines look like a hearing aid and play back the sound of our own voice in the ear with a delay of 40-100 microseconds. This is based on 'choral effect': PWS stammer less when speaking in unison with others. It also slows down the speech. Similar software can be used with some cellphones; it works even when we are not talking on the phone. But these technological interventions do not offer a 'cure' and beneficial effect tends to wear off after some months in some cases. As a part of wider exploration, it should be given a try. It could also be used as an adjunct to speech therapy. The software is available for free trial on a regular computer or palmtop:
http://www.speechgym.com/
There have been some claims of cures but there have been no objective studies to confirm this. To many PWS, to be able to talk about their stammering without a sense of fear or shame is 'cure' enough. Yet they should continue to work on their 'communication' skills and strategies- as opposed to 'perfect fluency', which in any case is a myth.
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 04 August 2009 14:16 |