Variations in voice level and fundamental frequency with changing background noise level and talker-to-listener distance while wearing hearing protectors: A pilot study

Rachel E. Bouserhal, Ewen MacDonald, Tiago H. Falk, Jérémie Voix

    Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

    Abstract

    Objective: Speech production in noise with varying talker-to-listener distance has been well studied for the open ear condition. However, occluding the ear canal can affect the auditory feedback and cause deviations from the models presented for the open-ear condition. Communication is a main concern for people wearing hearing protection devices (HPD). Although practical, radio communication is
    cumbersome, as it does not distinguish designated receivers. A smarter radio communication protocol must be developed to alleviate this problem. Thus, it is necessary to model speech production in noise while wearing HPDs. Such a model opens the door to radio communication systems that distinguish receivers and offer more efficient communication between persons wearing HPDs. Design: This
    paper presents the results of a pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of occluding the ear on changes in voice level and fundamental frequency in noise and with varying talker-to-listener distance. Study sample: Twelve participants with a mean age of 28 participated in this study. Results: Compared to existing data, results show a trend similar to the open ear condition with the exception of the occluded quiet condition. Conclusions: This implies that a model can be developed to better understand speech production for the occluded ear.
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalInternational Journal of Audiology
    Volume55
    Pages (from-to)S13–S20
    ISSN1499-2027
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2016

    Keywords

    • Speech Production
    • Hearing Protection
    • Lombard Effect
    • Vocal Effort
    • Talker-to-listener distance

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