February 19, 2009

My experiences with DAF (Delayed Auditory Feedback)

Hi,

About a couple of years ago, I decided to try DAF, and see whether it really helps. Now the Speecheasy device is really expensive (about USD 5000), so I thought of an alternative - to go for Windows Mobile version of DAF software, and use a bluetooth head-set with my mobile.

I downloaded the software from www.artefactsoft.com; they let you download it for 7 days' evaluation period. I installed the software on my Palm Treo 750; and set the speech delay as 100 milliseconds.

And it worked like a charm in getting rid of my blocks; they were all but gone. But I hit upon an even bigger problem - repetitions. The sound of what I spoke came to my ears with a slight delay, and it was so confusing, I was not able to understand whether I have said certain thing or going to say it. I repeated words and sounds pathetically, and my speech became almost illegible.

I tried it for 3 days, but then it became so much pain, I had to get rid of it.

If anybody else wants to try it, mail me at n.tomer@gmail.com; I'll be happy to guide you on how to use it.

Cheers

Nitin

2 comments:

Satyendra said...

Yes, Nitin- I too tried it about an year ago; as soon as the novelty wore off, I was back with my stammering.. But yes, it was nice exploration..Just to help understand how our brain works.. Not a permanent solution.. I find talking to others and practicing my speech goals with them a much more satisfying option.. thank you!

Unknown said...

I watched SpeechEasy marketing CD as Prof. Joe Kalinwoski has sent me a one. I tried to probe further during my brief trip to the US but most SLPs told me that the process (testing) would take several days (ear impression etc.) Also the testing fee was more then USD500. I then talked with my SLP (Manish Rami) over phone and he informed that DAF process begins only if you have a "voice block" but if you have a silent block (which is the case with me) DAF technology doesn't get a chance for process initiation. Also the dramatic improvement may not last long once brain gets used to the milliseconds of delay.