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The Lombard effect on alaryngeal speech
1Speech Pathology & Audiology, Western Washington University, Bellingham 98225.
Journal of Communication Disorders
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Alaryngeal speakers can increase vocal intensity using masking noise. Esophageal speakers showed the greatest intensity increase, followed by normal and artificial larynx speakers, when exposed to loud noise.
Area of Science:
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Acoustic Phonetics
- Laryngology
Background:
- Alaryngeal speech often requires training for adequate vocal intensity.
- The Lombard effect, an involuntary increase in vocal effort when speaking in noise, is a potential method to enhance speech intensity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the Lombard effect on the speech intensity of esophageal speakers, artificial larynx users, and normal speakers.
- To determine if masking noise can be used to train alaryngeal speakers to increase vocal intensity.
Main Methods:
- Subjects included esophageal speakers, artificial larynx users, and normal speakers.
- Speech samples were collected in quiet and during exposure to 100 dB SPL masking noise via earphones.
- Peak syllable sound pressure levels were measured to quantify vocal intensity.
Main Results:
- Esophageal speakers exhibited the largest increase in vocal intensity in the noise condition.
- Normal speakers showed a moderate intensity increase, while artificial larynx users demonstrated the smallest increase.
- Coarticulatory and duration effects were also analyzed for both alaryngeal and normal speech.
Conclusions:
- The Lombard effect can increase vocal intensity in alaryngeal speakers, particularly esophageal speakers.
- Masking noise may be a viable tool for speech therapy to improve vocal intensity in alaryngeal communication.
- Further research is needed to explore clinical applications and optimize this technique.