Multisensory speech perception of young children with profound hearing loss

Author(s): Haras, N., Bergman, M.

Journal/Book: J Speech Lang Hear Res. 1997; 40: 10801 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 20852-3279. Amer Speech-Language-Hearing Assoc. 1135-1150.

Abstract: The contribution of a two-channel vibrotactile aid (Trill VTA 2/3, AVR Communications LTD) to the audiovisual perception of speech was evaluated in four young children with profound hearing loss using words and speech pattern contrasts. An intensive, hierarchical, and systematic training program was provided. The results show that the addition of the tactile (T) modality to the auditory and visual (A+V) modalities enhanced speech perception performance significantly on all rests. Specifically, at the end of the training sessions, the tactile supplementation increased word recognition scores in a 44-word, closed-set task by 12 percentage points; detection of consonant in Final position by 50 percentage points; detection of sibilant in final position by 30 percentage points; and detection of voicing in final position by 25 percentage points. Significant learning over time was evident For all test materials, in all modalities. As expected, fastest learning (i.e., smallest time constants) was found for the AVT condition. The results of this study provide further evidence that sensory information provided by the tactile modality can enhance speech perception in young children.

Note: Article KishonRabin L, Chaim Sheba Med Ctr, Dept Commun Disorders Speech Language & Hearing, Sackler Fac Med, IL-52621 Tel Hashomer, ISRAEL

Keyword(s): tactile aids; hearing impairment; sensory prostheses; speech perception; deaf; VOICE FUNDAMENTAL-FREQUENCY; TACTILE PRESENTATION; IMPAIRED CHILDREN; SINGLE-CHANNEL; AIDS; RECOGNITION; ENHANCEMENT; CONSONANTS; SENTENCES; PROGRAM

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