Ways to Cure Stuttering

Stuttering or stammering refers to disfluent speech, in which syllables or words are repeated or prolonged. The disorder usually begins at a very young age and can sometimes last throughout life. Roughly three million Americans stutter, most of those affected are children between the ages of 2 and 5. About 1 percent of adults stutter. Because the physical and emotional factors that trigger stammering vary among individuals, there is not one universal cure, but many individual therapies for each unique case.

Diagnosing Stuttering

• Based on the stutterer's age, behavioral patterns, communication goals and other factors, it is important to work with a speech-language pathologist (SLP) to find the best method of treatment. An SLP will evaluate a person with speech disfluencies to assess the ways he reacts to and copes with his stuttering. The information gathered by the SLP will help develop a specific treatment program to help each individual speak more fluently, communicate more effectively and be more comfortable participating in everyday life activities.

Speech and Language Therapy

• A speech and language therapist can offer a range of techniques and approaches to help cure stuttering. The therapist will teach specific skills that lead to improved oral communication, including controlling speech rate. This is an effective way to treat stuttering, and requires the person to say words more slowly and regulate her breathing. By controlling speech rate, a person who stutters will eventually begin to produce smooth, fluent sentences in situations that used to make her feel anxious. This technique requires daily practice to maintain fluency.

Drug Therapy

• Although there is not an FDA-approved drug to cure stuttering specifically, some other approved drugs have been used to treat the disorder. Medication used to treat epilepsy, anxiety or depression can have a positive impact on speech disfluencies. Many doctors prescribe such medications because they help slow speech and ease anxiety in high pressure situations, such as speaking in front of large groups or maintaining composure in a heated discussion.

Electronic Fluency Devices

• Some people who stammer use electronic devices to help produce more fluent speech. Electronic fluency devices relay the speaker's voice back to him through a small device, much like a hearing aid, that is inserted in the ear canal. The device digitally relays the voice back with either a slight delay or a change in pitch, so that it seems as though the speaker is talking in unison with another person. Many people who stutter find that speaking alongside another person helps speech fluency, so using an electronic device on regular basis can cure stuttering fairly quickly in some cases.