Auditory Interventions for Stuttering
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores new methods to help people who stutter improve their communication skills and quality of life. It tests various auditory and brain-based techniques, such as adjusting how sounds are heard before speaking or slightly delaying speech, to assess their effects on reducing stuttering. Participants will engage in tasks like naming pictures, reading, and listening to various sounds while researchers monitor speech and brain activity. The trial seeks monolingual native American English speakers who stutter but have no other developmental or communication disorders.
As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could lead to new therapies for stuttering.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
If you are taking any medications that affect the central nervous system, you will need to stop taking them to participate in this trial.
What prior data suggests that these auditory interventions are safe for stuttering?
Research has shown that delayed auditory feedback (DAF), used in this trial, is generally safe. Studies have found that DAF can reduce stuttering by 60% to 80%. However, it might cause some speech mistakes or slow down speaking in people who do not stutter. For those who do stutter, DAF usually helps stabilize speech.
Specific information on the safety of delaying speech start is limited, but DAF, which is similar, is commonly used in speech therapy and is not regulated by the FDA. This suggests it is generally accepted and safe to use.
Neither method is known to cause significant harm. Participants might notice changes in how they speak or hear themselves, but these are expected and not dangerous. Always discuss any concerns with the study team before joining.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these auditory interventions for stuttering because they explore innovative approaches that differ from traditional speech therapy and pharmacological treatments. One unique feature is the focus on pre-speech auditory modulation, which aims to adjust auditory perception before speaking to improve fluency. Another distinctive approach is delaying auditory feedback, where the timing of hearing one's own voice is altered, potentially reducing stuttering by disrupting the typical speech pattern. By targeting the speech premotor cortex and experimenting with delayed speech initiation, these methods offer new insights into brain-speech dynamics, providing a fresh perspective on stuttering management.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for stuttering?
Research has shown that delayed auditory feedback, one of the interventions in this trial, can greatly help people who stutter. It can reduce stuttering by 60% to 80%, making speech smoother. This method is especially beneficial for those with severe stuttering. Another intervention in this trial involves starting to speak a little later, often used alongside delayed auditory feedback, and has also effectively reduced speech problems. These techniques, part of different treatment arms in this trial, alter the timing of speaking and hearing, improving speech flow for people who stutter.56789
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for monolingual, native American English speakers who stutter but don't have other developmental, psychological, neurological disorders. They must have normal hearing and not be on central nervous system medications. Adults can't have conditions that make brain stimulation or MRI unsafe.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants engage in tasks such as naming pictures, reading words/sentences, and listening to speech and nonspeech sounds while their speech, muscle, and brain signals are collected. Some participants may also receive brain stimulation.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in speech and brain activity in response to auditory errors and speech tasks.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Auditory errors and pre-speech auditory modulation
- Contributions of the speech premotor cortex to pre-speech auditory modulation
- Delaying auditory feedback
- Delaying speech initiation
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Arizona State University
Lead Sponsor
University of Washington
Collaborator
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
Collaborator