Evaluating a Digital Speech Therapy App for Stuttering: A Pilot Validation Study

Abstract

Stuttering is a clinical speech disorder that disrupts fluency and leads to significant psychological and social challenges. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Eloquent, a digital speech therapy app for stuttering, by analyzing pre-therapy and post-therapy speech samples using the Stuttering Severity Index-4 (SSI-4) and the S24 communication and attitude scale. Results showed a 52.7% reduction in overall SSI-4 scores, with marked improvements in reading (45%), speaking (46%), duration (57%), and physical concomitants (63%) scores. Over 75% of participants improved by at least one severity category. S24 scores decreased by 33.5%, indicating more positive self-perceptions of speech and reduced avoidance. These findings highlight the potential of structured, technology-driven speech therapy interventions to deliver measurable improvements in stuttering severity and communication confidence.