Electronic aid in the treatment of stammer

Cherry andSayers (1956) showed that stammering could be inhibited by the use of low frequency tones which prevented the subject hearing his own voice. They mentioned that this could have possible application in the treatment of stammer but are not aware of this having been pursued (personal communication). Arising out of difficulties of interview in psychiatric practice a search was made for means of communicating more fully with the patient and the Cherry and Sayers principle was developed, and owing to the rather dramatic effects of this it was decided to pursue the treatment of stammer by this means. A tiny portable tone producing apparatus was constructed which the patient could switch on and off at will so that he could hear when questioned but operate the tone when he wished to speak or read. Several cases of successful treatment using this method are described.