Acoustic analysis of neurologically impaired speech

The acoustic phonetic analysis of neurogenically disordered speech permits considerable insights into the detailed nature and possible origin of such disorders. Representative results obtained with a concise speech protocol, comprising spontaneous speech, diadochokinesis, phoneme distinction, rhythm and intonation, are illustrated. Disorders at the supralaryngeal, laryngeal and durational levels are distinguished. This non-invasive technique reveals aspects of speech disorders that are difficult or impossible to perceive auditorily. This research is part of a general computer-based diagnostic approach presently under development in our laboratory.