There are many influences in life that can impact how we live our life. From the place we live in, to the job we do, the friends we have, and so on. In addition to this, our health and the problems we face also influence our life. One such problem that many people face is stuttering. Stuttering devices such as those from SpeechEasy can help.
What is Stuttering?
Stuttering is a speech disorder that is common in children. It is also referred to as stammering and childhood-onset fluency disorder as the problem usually starts between the age of two and five. Stuttering or diffluent speech is also characterized by:
- Repeated syllable, consonant or vowel sound
- Repeated or prolonged words
- Halting speech production
- Uneven speech rate
Nearly 5% to 10% of children are affected by this disorder. Though most children overgrow this condition, some carry it towards their adulthood and seek solutions to overcome this problem, such as an anti-stuttering device, also called an electronic speech device.
What are the Symptoms of Stuttering?
Stuttering speech is a disorder that is usually characterized by repeated syllables, words, or sounds. Disruption of speech is the most common symptom, and the stress caused by this disorder shows up as the following signs and symptoms:
- Excessive eye blinking, lip tremors, facial tics, and other tension in the face and body
- Refusal to speak
- Frustration while communicating
- Tension in the voice
- Repetition of words and phrases
- Hesitation or pausing before speech
- Rearrangement of words in a sentence
- Making the long sound of words
Surprisingly, many parents fail to recognize these signs and symptoms.
Can Stuttering be Cured by Surgery?
Stuttering can be frustrating to many, and surgery to cure this ailment would be an ideal choice for them. There are several options to choose from to fight stuttering speech, such as speech therapy and the use of a stuttering device. But, a question that most people seek an answer to is whether surgery can cure stuttering.
There are three types of stuttering, namely – developmental stuttering, which is common in children in their developmental stages; neurogenic stuttering, which occurs due to signal problems from the brain to the nerves and muscles; and psychogenic stuttering, which is believed to be caused when the area of the brain that directs thought and reasoning is affected.
Surgery for stuttering was performed for the first time in the early 1840s, which was believed to be a success. The tonsils and the uvula were removed, and the procedure claimed to have cured nearly forty stutterers. It was later found that there was an error made and that the surgery had failed to cure stammering. There was no visible improvement in the patients at all.
Stuttering is a concern that many individuals face. The underlying cause of developmental stuttering is still unknown, and abnormalities in speech motor control may also cause stuttering. Additionally, genetics can also result in this disorder, as it is believed that this speech disorder can be inherited. Many neurosurgeons are determined to find a surgical cure for this disorder, but for now, surgery is not a cure.
SpeechEasy
SpeechEasy is a combination of proven technology and techniques which can be used to reduce stuttering. Worn in one ear and similar in appearance to a hearing aid, SpeechEasy has helped thousands increase their ability to communicate effectively and confidently. The program that comes with every SpeechEasy stuttering device is supported by a team of fluency professionals who truly care about your success. Contact us today!
