Use of Exogenously Generated Speech Signals to Enhance Fluency in Persons Who Stutter

Case Number: TT0007

Inventor(s):

• Joseph Kalinowski, Ph.D.
• Michael Rastatter, Ph.D.
• Andrew Stuart, Ph.D.

Department(s):

• Communication Sciences and Disorders

Description:
Fluency enhancement in persons who stutter via a second “auditory” speech signal, which is not generated by the speaker himself, has been shown to enhance fluency. Experiments have shown that a simple sustained vowel on either a sustained or intermittent basis provides fluency enhancement. In fact, stuttering itself, if generated exogenously will induce fluency. Thus a hearing aid device, which will intermittently or continuously produce a voiced continuant sound, will be helpful for those who stutter.

Availability: Available for either exclusive or nonexclusive licensing

Case Manager: Mark Foley