DEVICES

BOOKS

MORE INFO

Using Electronic Speech Aids with Cluttering, Spasmodic Dysphonia, and other Speech Disorders

Cluttering (Tachyphemia)

Cluttering is characterized by speech that starts out clearly, then increases in speed and becomes mumbled. DAF is considered to be the most effective treatment for cluttering.

Spasmodic Dysphonia

Spasmodic dysphonia (or laryngeal dystonia) is a voice disorder characterized by involuntary overtension or relaxation of the vocal folds during speech. The result is a "strained" or "strangled" voice, if the vocal folds are too tense; or a weak, breathy, or whispery voice if the vocal folds are too relaxed. The disorder generally first appears in middle age, and affects more women than men. One individual with spasmodic dysphonia reported that a Casa Futura Technologies DAF/FAF device helped his speech.

Head Injuries and Strokes—Speech Disorders

Some individuals with speech disorders due to head injuries or strokes find that a DAF/FAF device improves their speech. Because different individuals have injuries to different brain areas there's no way to know in advance whether a device will help. If the device helps, the effect is usually immediate and permanent (i.e., won't wear off).

Head Injuries—Sensory Overstimulation

One individual recovering from a head injury is very satisfied with his Casa Futura Technologies DAF/FAF device. He doesn't have a speech disorder. He feels sensory overstimulation from environmental sounds, especially when several people are speaking. He uses a lapel microphone and custom-molded occlusional hearing aid-style earphones. He finds that DAF and especially FAF reduce sensory overstimulation. He reports that he is now able to attend church services for the first time since his head injury several years ago.

Progressive Supernuclear Palsy

We've had several customers with progressive supernuclear palsy successfully use DAF/FAF devices.

Accent Reduction

A too-rapid speaking rate is often part of the problem with difficult to understand accents. DAF can slow speaking rate and improve awareness and control of speech muscle movements, aiding accent reduction therapy treatment.

Pediatric Psychology

FAF amuses children and makes them want to talk. This can be useful with a shy child who won't talk to a psychologist or speech-language pathologist.