RecruitingACTRN12616000192482

Bionic voice reconstruction in dysphonic individuals

Assessment and validation of bionic voice reconstruction in dysphonic individuals

Sponsor

Unitec Institute of Technology

Enrollment

70 participants

Start Date

Jun 1, 2015

Study Type

Observational

Conditions

Dysphonia Laryngectomee Aphonia

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.

Eligibility

Sex: Both males and femalesMin Age: 18 Yearss

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is developing and testing a computer system that can turn a weak or whispered voice into normal-sounding speech in real time. It is aimed at people who have had their voice box removed or have a voice disorder that makes it difficult to speak loudly or clearly. Participants provide voice recordings in a quiet room, and the system's ability to reconstruct the full voice is then evaluated for accuracy and naturalness. You may be eligible if: - You are 18 years of age or older - You have an abnormal voice (e.g. hoarse, weak, or whisper-like) - You are able to attempt voice tasks and follow instructions - You can give informed consent and complete a questionnaire in English You may NOT be eligible if: - You have significant lung disease - You are unable to attempt voice tasks - You do not speak English - You cannot give informed consent Talk to your doctor about whether this trial might be right for you.

This is a simplified summary. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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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 wil

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.