Stuttering treatment methods and apparatus

Abstract

Stuttering treatment methods and apparatus which utilize removable oral-based appliances having actuators which are attached, adhered, or otherwise embedded into or upon a dental or oral appliance are described. Such oral appliances may receive the user's voice and process the voice to introduce a time delay and/or a frequency shift. The altered audio feedback signal is then transmitted back to the user through a tooth, teeth, or other bone via a vibrating actuator element. The actuator element may utilize electromagnetic or piezoelectric actuator mechanisms and may be positioned directly along the dentition or along an oral appliance housing in various configurations.

1 . A method for treating stuttering in a patient, comprising:
 receiving an audio signal of a voice of the patient;   introducing a time delay in the audio signal of the patient's voice to generate an altered audio feedback signal; and   vibrationally conducting the altered audio feedback signal to the patient through an oral appliance whereby stuttering by the patient is diminished.