Case Studies
Fluency Development Commentary & Case Studies From
Deborah B. Boswell, M.S., CCC-SLP
Professional Speech Services of Alabama, PC
Birmingham, AL
"SpeechEasy is another tool in the SLP’s toolbox, just one more option for our clients. SpeechEasy will not replace traditional therapy. Many people who stutter find that SpeechEasy enables them to use the techniques learned in speech therapy with less effort.
As an SLP dispensing SpeechEasy, I am very interested in working closely with the original SLP to ensure that therapy, if needed, is continuous and I fully support that SLP in any way that I can."
Fluency Development Case Study 1
Situation
The client is a 38 year old male, moderately severe stutterer, previously a bartender and now employed as a car salesman in Birmingham, AL. The client’s father and grandfather stuttered until about 10 years of age. The client participated in a specialized three-week stuttering program several years ago that yielded poor results.
Prior to obtaining the SpeechEasy stuttering device and SpeechEasy therapy, the client had difficulty communicating with customers and talking on the phone. Specifically, the client demonstrated part-word repetitions, prolongations, and silent and voiced blocks.
The client contacted this providing SLP for an evaluation. The client was considered a good SpeechEasy therapy candidate given previous therapy experience.
Results
The client experienced the following immediate results with SpeechEasy therapy:
Stuttered Syllables
- Conversation
Without SpeechEasy, 15 percent; with SpeechEasy, 2 percent - Reading
Without SpeechEasy, 8 percent; with SpeechEasy, 2 percent
Elimination of Secondary Characteristics (eyes closing, mouth contortions)
Long-term results have been good, although not as good as during initial fitting. The client wears his SpeechEasy to work everyday and in social situations. The client reported missing his SpeechEasy when it had to be sent in for repairs.
Fluency Development Case Study 2
Situation
The client is a 43 year old female, moderate to severe stutterer, employed as a receptionist / assistant in a hospital setting in Birmingham, AL.
Prior to obtaining the SpeechEasy device, the client exhibited silent blocks, part-word repetitions, and secondary characteristics, such as eyes closing and mouth contortions. The client reported difficulty in paging individuals on the PA system at work and answering the phone.
This providing SLP considered the client a good SpeechEasy candidate given previous speech therapy completed as a teenager as well as the client’s job situation and high level of motivation.
Results
The client experienced the following immediate results with the SpeechEasy stuttering device:
Stuttered Syllables
- Conversation
Without SpeechEasy, 37 percent; with SpeechEasy, 1 percent - Reading
Without SpeechEasy, 3 percent; with SpeechEasy, 0 percent
The client later reported some difficulty initiating speech. The providing SLP recommended utilizing the "uh" vowel as a starter device, which produced good results for the client.
