Fundamental Frequency Variation With an Electrolarynx Improves Speech Understanding: A Case Study.

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Bibliographic Details
Title:	Fundamental Frequency Variation With an Electrolarynx Improves Speech Understanding: A Case Study.
Authors:	Watson, Peter J.¹ pjwatson@umn.edu, Schlauch, Robert S.¹
Source:	American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology. May2009, Vol. 18 Issue 2, p162-167. 6p. 2 Charts, 2 Graphs.
Subject Terms:	*Intelligibility of speech, Voice frequency, Larynx
Abstract:	Purpose: This study examined the effect of fundamental frequency (F0) variation on the intelligibility of speech in an alaryngeal talker who used an electrolarynx (EL). Method: One experienced alaryngeal talker produced variable F0 and a constant F0 with his EL as he read sentences aloud. As a control, a group of sentences with variable F0 was flattened at a constant F0. Twenty listeners heard these sentences in background noise and wrote down what they heard. Results: Speech understanding was on average 14% better with variable F0 controlled by the talker than the sentences produced with a constant F0 and the control sentences resynthesized with flattened F0. Conclusions: Variable F0 contributes to speech understanding in noise. Because speech produced by an EL is considered to have poorer intelligibility in relation to other alaryngeal methods, training alaryngeal talkers to use variable F0 may prove to be of significant benefit for communication for those who use electrolarynges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Database:	Education Research Complete

Description
Abstract:	Purpose: This study examined the effect of fundamental frequency (F0) variation on the intelligibility of speech in an alaryngeal talker who used an electrolarynx (EL). Method: One experienced alaryngeal talker produced variable F0 and a constant F0 with his EL as he read sentences aloud. As a control, a group of sentences with variable F0 was flattened at a constant F0. Twenty listeners heard these sentences in background noise and wrote down what they heard. Results: Speech understanding was on average 14% better with variable F0 controlled by the talker than the sentences produced with a constant F0 and the control sentences resynthesized with flattened F0. Conclusions: Variable F0 contributes to speech understanding in noise. Because speech produced by an EL is considered to have poorer intelligibility in relation to other alaryngeal methods, training alaryngeal talkers to use variable F0 may prove to be of significant benefit for communication for those who use electrolarynges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:	10580360
DOI:	10.1044/1058-0360(2008/08-0025)