New Survey on Use of
Electronic Devices by Those Who Stutter

Most don't buy; fewer than half happy six months later

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
For more information, contact:
Jane Fraser
(202) 686-4494
info@stutteringhelp.org

(Memphis, TN) Despite dramatic and widespread media coverage of electronic devices for stuttering, most of those who struggle with the speech disorder have a "wait and see attitude" before they buy.

Over the past year, increased media attention has focused on auditory feedback devices for the treatment of stuttering, with dramatic testimonials on nationally televised programs. However, a national survey of 800 adults by the Stuttering Foundation found that over 85 percent (85.2%) of those who requested information decided against purchasing any type of electronic aid for stuttering.

Information on seven different devices was sent to hundreds of people who requested it following prominent news stories. The Foundation does not endorse any one treatment method but makes information readily available to help consumers make informed decisions. A ten-item survey on electronic devices designed by Barry Guitar, Ph.D., and Carroll Guitar, M.L.S., was also sent to those who had requested information.

Respondents were asked if they had followed up on the information received, and if so, whether they had purchased a device. If they had, they were asked numerous questions about their satisfaction with and use of the device. If they had not purchased a device, they were asked why not.

An overwhelming majority—85.2 percent—of respondents who looked into auditory feedback devices decided against purchasing any type of electronic aid for stuttering. A commonly cited reason was expense/lack of insurance coverage.

"It's way too expensive to even try for a month; between the cost of initial mold and consultation I was risking to lose $700-$800 minimum even with my 90 percent money-back guarantee," wrote one respondent who decided against purchasing a SpeechEasy device.

Others cited concerns over lack of long-term research on devices.

"Research data was inconclusive in regards to the long-term benefits of the SpeechEasy device," wrote another in response to being asked why he chose not to purchase a device.

'Devices were too expensive and they were out of state so we would have to incur travel costs as well," wrote one mother researching the devices for her son. "We are also reluctant to give him a crutch when we know he can speak fluently. He has shown in the past that if he uses his techniques that he can be fluent."

Yet others cited as a concern a shortcoming of delayed auditory feedback itself. "Device does not 'help' in situations where vocal chords 'lock'," wrote one respondent.

Only 15 percent of respondents purchased a device. Of the 21 who purchased devices, 12 bought SpeechEasy, six bought Casa Futura, three bought Fluency Master and one bought an unspecified device.

Comments on training varied widely, from the fitters and trainers to being "very helpful" to "not at all helpful." Just over half report they use the device only on occasion: 16 are still using it, and five are not using it at all.

Most of the respondents who reported being satisfied with the device are also using it in conjunction with speech therapy techniques.

Paul Schacher has now used his device happily for over a year in conjunction with therapy techniques. "It's still difficult in a crowd where it's noisy," said the North Dakotan, calling himself a "mild to moderate stutterer."

However, at the time of their response, most of those who had acquired a device had owned it less than eight months. To see how satisfied they were five months later, as many as possible were called.

The Foundation was able to follow up with eight of the 14 people who originally reported being happy with their devices and who had by then owned the device for nearly year. Of those eight only three were still happy five months later: three were not happy, and two reported mixed results.

Jason Zawatsky of Maryland said, "The device worked for me for two months, then didn't work anymore."

David Creek of Arizona said he wears it most of the time and does not rely on other therapy tools and is satisfied.

"I'm most disappointed," said Paulette Merrillan of Wisconsin about her 17-year-old son. "It wasn't a quick fix. Since it wasn't, he quit using it."

Note to Editors and Reporters: The national survey was sponsored by The Stuttering Foundation. This press release may be downloaded at www.stutteringhelp.org/pressrm/mainpage.htm. Copies of the survey and complete results are available upon request. Also, information about various electronic devices on the market can be found on The Stuttering Foundation Web site, www.stutteringhelp.org/electdev.htm.

[The questionnaire was sent to more than 800 people in 10 foreign countries, 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. One hundred and forty-nine (19%) respondents answered from 37 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, Brazil and Kenya. (A response rate of 19 percent is generally considered a very high rate of return by expert pollsters for this type of survey. Surveys were sent and returned by mail only, no pre-paid postage. No incentive was offered for responding.)]

Information on the various electronic devices on the market may be found on the Stuttering Foundation web site along with the latest research information and self-help materials compiled by the leading authorities in the field of speech pathology. The Stuttering Foundation can also provide a list of local resources for free by calling 800-992-9392 or by visiting www.stutteringhelp.org. The site provides information about electronic devices and a list of more than 6,500 local libraries that shelve Foundation books and videotapes.