We studied the features of speech signals perception in conditions of vocal competition based on gender (male/female
voice) in subjects of different ages and status of auditory and speech functions. Psychophysical measurements were
carried out while simulating a “speech cocktail” situation by simultaneously pronounced different words by a male and
female. The average fundamental voice frequency for the male speaker was 108 ± 5.92 Hz, for the female speaker – 185 ±
12.03 Hz. Both speakers were standard native speakers of the Russian language. Digital recordings of speech signals were
equalized in intensity and compounded so that the total test stimulus was a synchronized mixture of words spoken by a
male (M) and female (F) voice. Test speech signals were presented through headphones or through a speaker located in
front of the auditor at a distance of 50 cm. The indicators of reaction time and the number of correct recognitions of
words of the target speaker (M or F) were compared in 4 groups of subjects of different ages and hearing or speech
status: adult subjects with normal hearing and speech (n = 35) and with hearing impaired (n = 26); schoolchildren with
normotypical development (n = 26) and with speech disorders (n = 25). The results indicated a falling in the ability to
segrerate target speech streams under conditions of vocal competition in the subjects with hearing and speech
dysfunctions included in the comparative study. Differences in the perception of male and female voices in subjects with
hearing loss and with speech problems were obtained. This result may have a biological and social basis. The data have
practical significance for the development of a system of auditory and speech training and modern hearing aid
technologies.
Key words:
voice competition conditions, speech recognition, speech cocktail, gender differences of voice, hearing loss, speech
disorders, auditory and speech training
DOI: 10.31857/S0235009223040029
EDN: QNREOL
Cite:
Balyakova A. A., Labutina O. V., Medvedev I. S., Pak S. P., Ogorodnikova E. A.
Osobennosti raspoznavaniya rechevykh signalov v usloviyakh golosovoi konkurentsii v norme i pri narusheniyakh slukhorechevoi funktsii
[Features of speech signal recognition in conditions of vocal competition with normal hearing and with hearing or speech disorders].
Sensornye sistemy [Sensory systems].
2023.
V. 37(4).
P. 342–347 (in Russian). doi: 10.31857/S0235009223040029
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