VOCAL TACTILE FEEDBACK METHOD AND ASSOCIATED APPARATUS

摘要

A vocal tactile feedback apparatus and method for use in the treatment of stuttering and other speech or hearing abnormalities is disclosed. A microphone and amplifier are utilized to produce and amplify an electronic signal responsive to vocal utterances spoken within a known range of the microphone. The amplified signal is then delayed by a suitable delaying circuit for a desired time interval and is then transmitted to an electro-mechanical transducer attached to the outer surface of the laryngeal or glottis region of the neck of a user. The transducer then transforms the amplified delayed signal into a mechanical vibration to provide delayed vibrotactile feedback of the vocal utterances whether spoken by the user or by others. A unique transducer assembly for use in the apparatus and method is disclosed.