Consideration of the listener in the assessment and treatment of dysarthria

Abstract

Traditionally, speech production deficits have been the focus of clinical practice and research in dysarthria. However, recent research has begun to examine the role of the listener in communication interaction. This article provides an overview of perceptual processing theory relevant to dysarthria. In addition, it discusses the relationship of current theoretical models of speech perception to the assessment and treatment of dysarthria. Finally, it provides insight into how this information may inform current clinical practices and future research in the field.