Metronome-conditioned speech retraining for stuttering

Abstract

A new treatment for severe stuttering is described: metronome-conditioned speech retraining (MCSR). The procedure involves the use of a miniaturized, electronic metronome which is worn behind the ear like the hearing-aid it resembles. The treatment is derived from a behavioral analysis of the disorder of stuttering and experimental studies on the effects of a metronome on the speech of stutterers. The performance characteristics of a metronome suitable for this procedure are given along with a detailed description of the MCSR procedure itself. The application of this treatment approach to 26 severe stutterers who ranged in age from 12 to 53 years is also presented. Of the 23 patients who completed the treatment program, 21 (or over 90%) showed a marked increase in fluency and an improvement in their general adjustment as well. These clinical results have persisted for follow-up periods that range from 6 months to over 3 years. These results compare favorably with available data on treatment outcome with alternative methods of treatment. Common objections to this general approach to the treatment of stuttering are also discussed.