A speech disorder is a form of communication problem in which the ability to speak in a manner considered “normal” has been interrupted. There are many different kinds of speech disorders: stuttering, apraxia, cluttering, dysprosody, and, in extreme cases, muteness. Those suffering from a speech disorder may seek the help of a speech therapist or pathologist. These specialists may use equipment like the following:
- Electronic fluency devices. These devices are used to treat speech impediments or improve the fluency of stutterers. Electronic fluency devices fall into different types: computerized feedback devices and altered auditory feedback devices. Computerized feedback devices use computers to increase control over phonation by providing feedback on speech. Altered auditory devices record and alter the speech of those with speech problems so they can hear their voices differently.
- Delayed auditory device or DAF. The DAF is a type of electronic fluency device that plays back a speaker’s words a fraction of a second later. It is sometimes used to improve the fluency of stutterers.
- Nasoscope. If nasality is a problem, a nasoscope or rhinoscope can be used to examine the inside of the nose. If there is a blockage that could be affecting speech, some nasoscopes are equipped to remove it.
- Visi-pitch. The Visi-pitch is a versatile speech therapy device. It can graphically visualize speech in a variety of ways to better treat any specific speech disorder. It can display the frequency, pitch, and intensity of speech in real-time and provide audio playback.
As the population grows, speech pathology employment will be in increasing demand. The industry is likely to grow. Those suffering from a speech disorder should have no trouble finding a speech therapist.













