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Low-frequency energy deficit in electrolaryngeal speech
1Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson 85721.
Journal of Speech and Hearing Research
|December 1, 1991
Summary
Electronic artificial larynx devices, like the Servox, and speech from their users show a significant lack of low-frequency energy. Enhancing this energy improved perceived speech quality, suggesting design improvements for alaryngeal speakers.
Area of Science:
- Speech Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Acoustics
Background:
- Alaryngeal speech often lacks natural vocal quality.
- Electronic artificial larynges are common assistive devices.
- Low-frequency energy is crucial for vocal richness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify low-frequency energy deficits in Servox artificial larynx output.
- To assess low-frequency energy in vowels produced by alaryngeal speakers using the Servox.
- To evaluate the impact of low-frequency enhancement on speech quality.
Main Methods:
- Spectral analysis of acoustic signals from the Servox and alaryngeal speakers.
- Design and digital implementation of a second-order filter for low-frequency compensation.
- Perceptual listening experiment to assess speech quality.
Main Results:
- Significant deficits in low-frequency energy were found in both the Servox device and alaryngeal speech.
- Low-frequency enhancement significantly improved perceived vocal quality.
- 98% of listeners preferred the enhanced speech samples.
Conclusions:
- Electronic artificial larynges exhibit low-frequency energy deficits.
- Compensating for low-frequency deficits can enhance alaryngeal speech quality.
- Future prosthetic device design should consider low-frequency enhancement.