Tactile pitch displays for the deaf

Abstract

Poor pitch control decreases the intelligibility of deaf speech. Small tactile pitch displays have the potential for supplying continuous corrective feedback for the improvement of the intonation patterns of deaf speakers. A simple pitch detector and tactile display proved effective in correcting a common intonation problem, indicating that work toward a wearable tactile aid is justified. A hypothesis is presented that explains the cause of the pitch problem and the success of the experimental system in terms of the need of the deaf speaker for voicing and frequency referents.