Case Studies
Commentary & Fluency Case Studies From
Bonnie McKenzie, M.S., CCC-SLP
McKenzie Center for Speech & Language
St. Louis, MO
"I have found SpeechEasy to be a useful tool for many people who stutter. I ask people to rate improvement on a scale of 0 to 10, with "0" meaning "No Improvement" and "10" meaning "Miracle / No Stuttering" and I always explain it’s not a miracle; it’s not a cure. I have seen "9"s; lots of "5"s, "6"s, and "7"s, and some "0"s. For many who had improvement in the 5 to 9 range, learning techniques along with the device helped a lot!"
Stuttering Stories...
Fluency Case Study 1
Situation
The client is a 24 year old female employed as a substitute teacher.
Prior to obtaining the SpeechEasy device, the client reported difficulty speaking on the phone, talking to authority figures, and during job interviews. The client also reported heightened speech fear and anxiety in these situations. Silent blocks and repetitions were observed at presentation.
Results
The client experienced the following immediate results with SpeechEasy:
Stuttered Syllables
- Conversation
Without SpeechEasy, 15; with SpeechEasy, 1 to 4 - Reading
Without SpeechEasy, 5; with SpeechEasy, 0
This providing SLP demonstrated techniques to assist the client in smoothing out speech, initiating words more easily, and enhancing speech naturalness. During initial months of SpeechEasy use, the client rated her speech an "8" on a scale of 0 to 10, with "0" indicating "No Improvement" and "10" indicating "No Stuttering Whatsoever". Following one year of SpeechEasy use and ongoing therapy, the client rated her speech a "9" and indicated improvements in confidence in situations previously perceived as difficult. The client reports being able to wear the SpeechEasy device less – while still maintaining control of her fluency.
Fluency Case Study 2
Situation
The client is a 35 year old female homemaker who presented to this providing SLP with severe stuttering characterized by blocking, breath holding, and multiple inhalations while attempting to initiate voice. Prior to obtaining the SpeechEasy device, the client indicated that stuttering interfered with all aspects of life despite previous efforts with speech therapy, including PFSP. The client specifically reported difficulty transferring control into everyday speech and maintaining improvements.
Results
The client experienced the following immediate results with SpeechEasy:
Stuttered Syllables
- Conversation
Without SpeechEasy, 10; with SpeechEasy, 0 - Speaking Rate
Without SpeechEasy, 110; with SpeechEasy, 117
During initial months of SpeechEasy use, the client reported significant improvements in all situations and rated her speech a "9" on a scale of 0 to 10, with "0" indicating "No Improvement" and "10" indicating "No Stuttering Whatsoever". The client’s results dissipated over 14 months, but immediately improved following practice sessions with the providing SLP and adjustments to SpeechEasy device settings.
