Abstract
The purpose of this study was to compare listener processing demands when decoding alaryngeal compared to laryngeal speech. Fifty-six listeners were presented with single words produced by 1 proficient speaker from 5 different modes of speech: normal, tracheosophageal (TE), esophageal (ES), electrolaryngeal (EL), and synthetic speech (SS). Cognitive processing load was indexed by listener reaction time (RT). To account for significant durational differences among the modes of speech, an RT ratio was calculated (stimulus duration divided by RT). Results indicated that the cognitive processing load was greater for ES and EL relative to normal speech. TE and normal speech did not differ in terms of RT ratio, suggesting fairly comparable cognitive demands placed on the listener. SS required greater cognitive processing load than normal and alaryngeal speech. The results are discussed relative to alaryngeal speech intelligibility and the role of the listener. Potential clinical applications and directions for future research are also presented.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1380-1390 |
Number of pages | 11 |
Journal | Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research |
Volume | 49 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 1 2006 |
Keywords
- Alaryngeal
- Cognitive processing
- Laryngectomy
- Reaction time
- Speech intelligibility
- Synthetic speech
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Language and Linguistics
- Linguistics and Language
- Speech and Hearing