None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
This translational research proposal aims to develop and evaluate novel algorithms for creating a new rehabilitative method to restore natural sounding speech for those with significant dysphonia and laryngectomy patients, through a real-time speech processing framework. The new method would be non-invasive, non-surgical and capable of turning whisper-like voice into normal speech. Participants in the study will provide voice samples which will be recorded in a sound-proofed room. These samples will be analysed using computing algorithms to enhance and 'fill in' missing parts of speech to reconstruct full words and sentences. The study will evaluate the accuracy of the reconstruction eg. did the computer regenerate the correct words? and the speed at which the reconstruction can be achieved. It will also evaluate the intelligibility of the reconstructed speech by blind ratings from both researchers and subjects.
Interventions
Evaluation of novel computer algorithm that may reconstruct words from recorded partial speech or whispers. Subjects will be asked to speak phonetically balanced sentences for 15 minutes and this will be recorded. Then the computer algorithm will be used to reconstruct speech. The accuracy and rate of reconstruction of the regenerated voice will be rated by both researchers and the subjects. Ultimately the algorithm would be able to be used on a smart phone or device. A single visit only i
Evaluation of novel computer algorithm that may reconstruct words from recorded partial speech or whispers. Subjects will be asked to speak phonetically balanced sentences for 15 minutes and this will be recorded. Then the computer algorithm will be used to reconstruct speech. The accuracy and rate of reconstruction of the regenerated voice will be rated by both researchers and the subjects. Ultimately the algorithm would be able to be used on a smart phone or device. A single visit only is required. Participants will be invited to hear reconstructed speech samples and rate them subjectively once reconstruction is complete. Files can be emailed to participants.
Sponsors
Unitec Institute of Technology
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
1) Abnormal voice 2) Able to attempt repeated voice tasks and follow instructions 3) Able to understand and give consent for the study and able to complete self-assessment questionnaire
Exclusion criteria
1) Significant pulmonary disease condition 2) Unable to attempt voice tasks or follow instructions 3) Unable to speak English 4) Inability to give informed consent
Outcome results
None listed