A preliminary study investigating a language intervention for people with aphasia comparing human versus AAC-generated speech feedback

PURPOSE: This study compared the effects of live human speech feedback (HSF) with synthesised speech feedback (SSF) for word learning in people with aphasia (PWA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four PWA participated in a speech feedback treatment designed to enhance word production and other language functions. The intervention spanned 24 sessions over 8 weeks. Overall language behaviours were evaluated pre- and post-interventions using the Western Aphasia Battery-Revised (WAB-R), the Story Retelling Procedure (SRP), and participant-reported satisfaction. RESULTS: Three participants exhibited improvements in word naming and overall language performance under both types of speech feedback. The fourth participant did not improve in word naming enough to reach the threshold to switch to the second condition. Some aspects of WAB-R improved in all participants. SRP improved in all participants, meeting the criteria for "detectable" improvement in two participants. All participants expressed satisfaction with the intervention and gave high ratings for perceived effectiveness and usability. CONCLUSION: These findings provide preliminary support for the use of HSF and SSF to enhance language performance for PWA and support the use of tailored AAC to individual needs.