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Speech Science Laboratory

The Speech Science Laboratory supports the Discipline by providing state-of-the-art equipment and expertise for instrumental analysis of speech in research, teaching and clinical applications undertaking research into the acoustic and physiological bases of speech production and perception.

Laboratory Facilities

Sound-proof Booth

Equipment:

  • Kay Elemetrics CSL 4300B speech analysis system incorporating direct digital input, direct to disk recording, and ASL, Voice Range Profile modules
  • Kay CSL 4100 speech analysis system, incorporating Visipitch, Multidimensional Voice Profile, Sonamatch and Electroglottograph modules
  • Kay DSP Sonagraph
  • Kay Laryngograph
  • Kay Nasometer
  • Kay Aerophone system
  • Respitrace
  • 3 IBM SpeechViewer II systems, installed on PCs
  • High quality digital and analog audiotape recording and editing equipment
  • Listening facilities (five listeners)
  • Sound treated recording/listening room

Databases:

  • Voice Disorders database (Voice and Speech Laboratory, Massachussetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston MA)
  • Phonetics database (University of Victoria)
  • Australian spoken English database (ANDOSL)
  • Kay Palatometer database
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What Happens in the Laboratory?


Research

The facilities in the laboratory support a wide range of research activities.

Research Projects:

  • Sing and see: Real-time visual feedback of acoustic characteristics of the singing voice and its use in enhancing singing teaching [Thorpe, Callaghan & van Doorn].
  • The route to children’s adult-like production of /s_/ consonant clusters: an acoustic study of phonologically impaired speech funded by ARC Small Grants Scheme [van Doorn J, Reed V, McLeod S, Baker E]
  • Using signal processing technology to improve intelligibility of disordered speech in cerebral palsy. Funded by Optus [van Doorn J, Reed V]
  • Adapting the IBM SpeechViewer for Australian English [van Doorn, Shakeshaft]
  • Assessment of real-time visual feedback of voice features in singing teaching [Thorpe, Callaghan, van Doorn]
  • A comparative acoustic study of consonant cluster development in Swedish and Australian children's speech [Czigler, McLeod, van Doorn, Sullivan]

PhD Research Projects:

  • Children’s acquisition of consonant clusters [S. McLeod]
  • Evaluation of surgical procedures on speech production of children with cleft palate [A. Purcell]
  • Children’s acquisition of polysyllabic words [D. James]

Honours Research Projects:

  • A prospective investigation of resonance and phonation disorders children with velo-cardio-facial syndrome [E. Davies]
  • Covert acoustic contrasts in the speech of children [C. Vernon]
  • Developing an acoustic-phonetic speaker profile for potential forensic applications [J. Mah]
  • Habitual voice pitch range as a part of total vocal range [M. Smith]
Testing with the Wolfe High Speed Videolaryngoscopy unit


Teaching

Undergraduate students have opportunities to work at an introductory level with the laboratory equipment as part of several units of study.


Clinical applications

The Communication Disorders Treatment and Research Clinic (CDTRC) uses the laboratory facilities where appropriate, for assessment and therapy.

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