Language comprehension in language-learning impaired children improved with acoustically modified speech

Paula Tallal, Steve L. Miller, Gail Bedi, Gary Byma, Xiaoqin Wang, Srikantan S. Nagarajan, Christoph Schreiner, William M. Jenkins, Michael M. Merzenich

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

943 Scopus citations

Abstract

A speech processing algorithm was developed to create more salient versions of the rapidly changing elements in the acoustic waveform of speech that have been shown to be deficiently processed by language-learning impaired (LLI) children. LLI children received extensive daily training, over a 4-week period, with listening exercises in which all speech was translated into this synthetic form. They also received daily training with computer 'games' designed to adaptively drive improvements in temporal processing thresholds. Significant improvements in speech discrimination and language comprehension abilities were demonstrated in two independent groups of LLI children.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)81-84
Number of pages4
JournalScience
Volume271
Issue number5245
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 5 1996
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Language comprehension in language-learning impaired children improved with acoustically modified speech'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this