Dealing with imperfections in human speech communication with advanced speech processing techniques

Abstract

Speech is the most preferred and natural modality of communication for human beings. Along the human speech communication pathway, there are many imperfections that may obstruct the information flow. Speech processing has been applied, in one way or another, to address such imperfections and restore effective speech communication. In this paper, we advocate the great potential of applying signal processing methods to deal with problems of speech and hearing disorders. We give many examples of applications in assessment and rehabilitation of voice, speech and hearing impairments. Some of our recent works are described in detail. They include new speech enhancement methods and cochlear implant processing strategies to improve speech perception of hearing-impaired people who speak tonal languages, and an artificial voice box that can help people without larynx to speak with natural voice.