Final answer:
Masking and delayed auditory feedback (DAF) are techniques used to treat stuttering by altering auditory feedback, leading to improved speech fluency. Masking drowns out the stutterer's own voice, while DAF introduces a delay in hearing one's speech, prompting slower, more deliberate speech.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by disruptions in the normal flow of speech. Two techniques used in stuttering treatment are masking and delayed auditory feedback (DAF). Masking involves the use of noise to drown out the sound of the speaker's voice, allowing them to speak without hearing their own stutter. This can reduce the frequency of stuttering episodes by interrupting the auditory feedback loop that may contribute to the stuttering behavior.
Delayed auditory feedback, on the other hand, is a technique where the speaker hears their own voice with a slight delay. This can disrupt the timing of speech and force the person to slow down, which can help improve speech fluency. Both masking and DAF require practice and are often used in conjunction with other speech therapy techniques for maximum efficacy.
Speech therapy aims to improve speech fluency which is not solely about speaking rate but also about the smooth and uninterrupted flow of speech. Techniques like DAF and masking can assist individuals in becoming more self-aware of their speech patterns, while also focusing on reducing awkward pauses and fluency glitches that may include verbal fillers such as 'um', 'ah', and 'like'. Moreover, integrating practices like self-awareness and the conscious use of gestures and facial expressions can complement these techniques by enhancing the effectiveness of communication.