Mini-Grant 2001 1

Use of audio-capture to analyze stuttering disfluencies

Glen Tellis

Analyzing disfluencies in speech is an important process in the diagnosis of stuttering.

Several authors have discussed the need to reliably measure stuttering (Conture, 1990; Cordes,
1994; Young, 1984). Currently, transcription and playback of tape-recorded data has been used
to tally stuttering disfluencies (Peters & Guitar, 1991). The accuracy of identification of
stuttering disfluencies varies from clinician to clinician (Curlee, 1981; Ingham & Cordes, 1997;
Kully & Boberg, 1988). Apart from traditional methods, various computerized biofeedback
programs also exist to record moments of stuttering. These programs do not, however, allow for
real-time playback of speech of persons who stutter during a block.
The advances in technology have permitted me to audio-record a sample of speech and
simultaneously play and save the speech sample on a computer hard-drive. This method of
recording data seems to be a promising avenue for future research because of its potential for (1)
real-time speech feedback, (2) saving the data on a compact disk or floppy disk (3) speech
segment by speech segment playback, (4) pausing the audio output while the person is in a block
without any degradation in audio quality, (5) recording the time spent speaking on-line, and (6)
using the cursor to fast-forward, rewind, play, and pause the speech sample without having the
difficulty of searching for a speech segment because each speech segment is visible on the
computer screen (therefore, the cursor can be used to proceed to the exact time/frame that a
clinician and a client would like to evaluate).
I train students to record voice-samples of clinical sessions directly on a computer with
the aid of Turtle Beach Montego (TBM) or other comparable voice software (Cool Edit).
Students are also trained to transfer the voice samples from the tape recorder to the computer.
Students are taught to filter, edit, and compress the speech samples with the voice software. The
advantage of this method of recording and analyzing data is that students can only capture and
store speech samples that are essential for diagnosis and reduce the time spent playing an entire
tape. Also, students can fine-tune their ability to diagnose clients because they can observe
waveforms of speech samples of their clients. Therefore, upon graduation, students can use this
training in their workplaces. Most voice software that permits computer recording and editing is
fairly inexpensive and can be easily purchased by employers.
I use the software program with an IBM compatible computer to achieve real-time audio
capture and playback. Apart from the advantages outlined above, TBM software allows the files
to be saved in a .wav format that can be played in various formats including Real Player, Media
Player, Quick Time Player, and other programs. The students, therefore, can listen to the
waveforms and observe moments of stuttering in multiple audio formats.
Another advantage of analyzing software on a computer screen is that multiple speech
samples can be isolated and compared. Therefore, 2-3 speech samples can be viewed on a single
17-inch monitor and compared by students and clients simultaneously. These speech samples
can either be of the same speech sample or of different speech samples. Other advantages of
using the TBM software are that: live recordings can be made from the tape-recorder to the
computer, simultaneous audio-recordings and direct computer recordings can be made, and
recordings can be made from the computer to the audio-recorder.
Students and clients can analyze stuttering disfluencies that accompany a moment of
stuttering (Blood, 1993; Van Riper & Emerick, 1984; Wingate, 1964). Disfluencies include
stuttering (part-word repetitions, disrhythmic phonations, tense pauses) and nonstuttering types
(word repetitions, phrase repetitions, interjections, revisions, recoils) (Johnson & Associates,
Mini-Grant 2001 2

1959).
Equipment
I use a tape-recorder with a built-in microphone for playback and for the computer
analysis. I also use an IBM compatible computer for playback, capture, and analysis.

Procedures
Initially, a tape recorder with a built-in microphone is plugged into the microphone input
slot of the sound card in the computer. A speech sample of the client is then recorded. The
speech sample is also recorded on an audiocassette. The same sample may also simultaneously
be saved on the computer with the TBM software. The sample is then saved on the hard disk of
the computer. TBM software is used to record the speech sample in real time and Real Producer
software is used to compress the speech sample. Additional recording and compression software
is also commercially available.
Students and clients can listen to the speech samples and analyze speech data online.
Students show the clients a trial speech sample and train them in identifying stuttering
disfluencies. When clients are able to identify stuttering disfluencies with 90% accuracy, and
after they are comfortable with using the cursor to run, pause, fast-forward, and rewind the
sample, they begin their analysis on an actual sample. Students inform the clients that they can
run, rewind, fast-forward, and use the pause button to complete their analyses.

Discussion
It is apparent that the TBM software is a powerful method of analyzing moments of
stuttering disfluency. Apart from the advantages listed in the preceding section, it appears that
clinicians using traditional audiotape procedures for identification may fail to record numerous
disfluencies. Identification of even the subtlest disfluencies is important for evaluation and
treatment of children and adults who stutter.
Students, clients, and myself have found that the use of the TBM software greatly
increases the identification of disfluencies. This results in a heightening of awareness of
disfluencies for persons who stutter during treatment. Therefore, the TBM software is an
important contributor to the diagnosis and treatment of stuttering.

Learner Outcomes
Clinicians and clients will be able to:
• Understand the differences between audiotape analysis and computer-recorded analysis of
stuttering.
• Learn the basic setup of the IBM compatible computer for analysis of disfluencies.
• Compare the results of the TBM software analysis and the audiotape analysis.
• Understand how the TBM software can be used in identification of disfluencies.

Budget

If awarded, I plan to use the grant money to travel to a National Conference for Speech
Pathology. The conference has numerous workshops on state of the art technology.

I will use the money for an Airline ticket. If there is money left over, I will purchase Cool Edit
($20). If you need any further clarifications, please feel free to contact me.
Mini-Grant 2001 3

References

Blood, G. W. (1993). Treatment efficacy in adults who stutter: Review and

recommendations. Journal of Fluency Disorders, 18(2&3), 303-318.

Conture, E. G. (1990). Stuttering (2nd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

Cordes, A. K. (1994). The reliability of observational data: I. Theories and methods of

speech-language pathology. Journal of Speech and Hearing Research, 37, 264-278.

Curlee, R. F. (1981). Observer agreement on disfluency and stuttering. Journal of Speech

and Hearing Research, 24, 595-599.

Ingham, R. J., & Cordes, A. K. (1997). Identifying the authoritative judgments of

stuttering: Comparisons of self-judgments and observer judgments. Journal of Speech and
Hearing Research, 40(3), 581-594.

Johnson, W., & Associates. (1959). The onset of stuttering: Research findings and
implications. Minneapolis, MN: The University of Minnesota Press.

Kully, D., & Boberg, E. (1988). An investigation of interclinic agreement in the

identification of fluent and stuttered syllables. Journal of Fluency Disorders, 13, 308-318.

Peters, T. J., & Guitar, B. (1991). Stuttering: An integrated approach to its nature and
treatment. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins.

Van Riper, C., & Emerick, L. (1984). Speech correction principles and methods.
Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.

Wingate, M. E. (1964). A standard definition of stuttering. Journal of Speech and

Hearing Disorders, 19, 484-489.

Young, M. A. (1984). Identifications of stuttering and stutterers. In R. F. Curlee & W. H.

Perkins (Eds.), Nature and treatment of stuttering: New directions. San Diego: College-Hill.