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Speech sounds: evaluation of a device for their visual presentation
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|November 1, 1980
Summary
A new Visual Speech Spectrum Analyzer (VISSA) shows potential for hearing-impaired individuals. This speech visualization device may aid in speech therapy and hearing assistance, despite minor differences from normal auditory perception.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Assistive Technology
Background:
- Hearing impairment presents significant communication challenges.
- Visual aids for speech perception are being explored as assistive technologies.
- Existing assistive devices may not fully capture the nuances of speech sounds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a prototype device, the Visual Speech Spectrum Analyzer (VISSA), for presenting speech sounds visually.
- To assess the potential of VISSA as an assistive device for individuals with hearing impairments.
- To compare the visual and auditory distinctiveness of speech sounds.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments were conducted involving adults with unimpaired hearing.
- Experiment 1 assessed recognition of visual patterns for three vowels spoken by three different speakers.
- Experiment 2 compared the visual and auditory distinctiveness of these three vowels.
Main Results:
- Subjects perceived distinct speech information from the VISSA compared to the normal auditory system.
- Differences in speech information between the visual device and auditory system were considered minor.
- The visual patterns of vowels were recognized by unimpaired listeners.
Conclusions:
- The Visual Speech Spectrum Analyzer (VISSA) demonstrates potential as a speech therapy aid.
- The device may offer benefits to individuals with hearing impairments.
- Further research is warranted to optimize VISSA for practical assistive applications.