Human Research and Engineering Directorate Research Areas

Speech Communication

Advisor: Letowski, Tomasz R (tom.letowski@us.army.mil 410.278.5864)
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD

Keywords: speech, communications, noise; reverberation; adverse environments; speech enhancement

Speech communication is affected by a large number of technical, environmental, and psychological conditions. Our work focuses on speech communication in adverse environments under mental and physical loads. Specific topics include (1) the effects of noise, reverberation, hearing protectors, and vocal stress on speech communication; (2) development of methods for improving speech communication in noise; and (3) development of tests for predicting speech intelligibility in various military environments. Experimental studies are conducted in eight test facilities ranging from anechoic to reverberant environments. Individual laboratories are equipped with modern signal processing and electroacoustic equipment, and are used for both in-house and collaborative research.

References:
Rao, M., Pruse, D., and Letowski, T. (2006). Callsign Acquisition Test (CAT): Speech intelligibility in noise. Ear and Hearing 27(2):120-128.
Klemp, E.J., and Dhar, S. (2008). Speech Perception in Noise Using Directional Microphones in Open-Canal Hearing Aids. Journal of the American Academy of  Audiology19:571–578.