Graeme Clark Collection

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    Development of an advanced electrotactile speech processor [Abstract]
    Cowan, Robert S. C. ; Blamey, Peter J. ; Glavin, K. L. ; Sarant, J. Z. ; Millard, R. ; Clark, Graeme M. ( 1992)
    Initial studies with a multiple channel electrotactile speech processor ('Tickle Talker') showed that profoundly hearing-impaired adults and children could achieve significant improvements on speech perception tests through use of tactual-encoded estimates of fundamental frequency, second formant frequency and amplitude envelope. Results showed that the device provided tactual cues which could be used to discriminate speech features such as vowel length and place, and consonant manner and voicing. However, discrimination of initial consonant voicing was not as consistent as for other features. Accurate discrimination of consonant voicing and manner (particularly high frequency information) is critical, since this Information is generally inaudible through hearing aids, and difficult to lipread.
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    Training and assessment of children using a multi-electrode cochlear implant [Abstract]
    Nienhuys, T. G. ; Roberts, S. A. ; Busby, P. A. ; Tong, Y. C. ; Blamey, P. J. ; Clark, Graeme M. ( 1986)
    A training and assessment protocol has been developed for a research study on deaf children using multi-electrode cochlear implants. The areas of assessment and training include speech perception and production, language and communication skills. Material which is appropriate for language-and developmental-age is selected from a large battery of: tests to ensure that the individual abilities of children are addressed. A single-subject, time-series design has been adopted for regular assessment of the child's performance. The participating child receives a minimum of six months' pre-operative training and assessment using high gain hearing aids or a tactile device. Also included are audiological and medical evaluations to determine the child's suitability for inclusion in the study. Approximately two months are allocated for pre-operative, operative and postoperative surgical management as well as fitting and setting the external speech processor. Post-operatively, the same training and assessment procedures continue for a number of years. Extensive psychophysical studies are also undertaken to measure the child's abilities to discriminate simple stimuli which differ in electrical stimulus parameter values.