Biofeedback system for speech disorders

Abstract

A biofeedback system for speech disorders is provided which is adapted to detect disfluent speech, and to provide auditory feedback enabling immediate fluent speech, and to control the auditory feedback in accordance with the disfluent speech, to enable immediate and carryover fluency. The disfluent speech detector is preferably an electromyograph (EMG). The auditory feedback is preferably frequency-altered auditory feedback (FAF). The controller shifts the pitch of the user's voice in accordance with the user's disfluent speech. The biofeedback system may also be provided with delayed auditory feedback (DAF) which enables user control of speaking rate, with masking auditory feedback (MAP) which improves user awareness of the physical sensations of speech, and with a voice-operated switch (VOX) to switch the device off when the user stops talking. The biofeedback system may also include a timer on the DAF circuit to automatically vary the user's speaking rate at regular time intervals. The biofeedback system may also be provided with a telephone interface to enable fluent speech while talking on telephones. The system may also provide biofeedback regarding the user's vocal pitch, enabling users to speak or sing at a higher or lower pitch.