Why do I make the “nih” sound when I when I stutter? I used to have speech therapy when I was really little but I guess I grew out of it until a few years ago.

 I'm unable to provide specific medical or therapeutic advice, so I can't tell you definitively why you might be making the "nih" sound when you stutter. However, I can offer some general information and suggest resources that might be helpful.

Reasons for stuttering:

Stuttering can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Developmental: Some children naturally stutter as they are learning to speak and grow out of it on their own. This is the most common type of stuttering.
• Neurogenic: This type of stuttering is caused by a neurological condition, such as a stroke or brain injury.
• Psychological: Anxiety, stress, or fatigue can also trigger stuttering.

Reasons for the "nih" sound:

• Blocks: The "nih" sound might be a vocal block that occurs when you're trying to initiate a word or phrase. The sound is a way for your body to buy time as you struggle to get the first sound out.
• Fixation: You might be focusing on the sound or feeling of stuttering, which can worsen the block and lead to repetitions of the "nih" sound.

What to do:

If you're concerned about your stuttering, the best thing to do is to talk to a doctor or speech-language pathologist. They can perform an evaluation to determine the cause of your stuttering and recommend the best treatment options. There are a variety of effective treatments available, including:

• Speech-language therapy: This can help you learn new ways to speak fluently and manage your stuttering.
• Relaxation techniques: Learning to relax can help reduce anxiety and stress, which can trigger stuttering.
• Medication: In some cases, medication may be helpful to manage anxiety or other contributing factors.

Resources:

• The National Stuttering Association: https://www.stutteringhelp.org/
• The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: https://www.asha.org/
• The Stuttering Foundation of America: https://www.stutteringhelp.org/

Remember, you're not alone in experiencing stuttering. Many people stutter, and there are effective treatments available. It's important to seek help if you're concerned, so you can learn to manage your stuttering and speak confidently.