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Abstract
This study investigated word intelligibility among sighted individuals and individuals with visual impairments for both natural and synthetic speech. Both groups of participants performed significantly better when identifying words presented via natural speech. The results also demonstrated that individuals with visual impairments were more successful than their sighted peers in understanding words presented via synthetic speech, with experience being the most critical factor in identifying words for the participants with visual impairments. Finally, the findings show the correlation between intelligibility and key factors such as age and the overall use of text-to-speech systems.
Notes
1 DECtalk is a registered trademark of Fonix, located in Maynard, MA.
2 The AKG C 414 B-TLII microphone is available from Harman International Industries, Incorporated, Stamford, CT. http://www.akg.com
3 Dynaudio speakers are available from Dynaudio International GmbH, Ohepark 2, 21224 Rosengarten. http://www.dynaudio.com
4 INTEL core duo is a registered trademark of the Intel Corporation, Santa Clara, CA, http://www.intel.com
5 NVIDIA graphic card is available from NVIDIA Corporation, Santa Clara, CA, http://www.nvidia.com
6 Digidesign Firewire products are available from Sweetwater Sound, Inc., Fort Wayne IN. http://www.digidesign.com
7 The Asus Xonar D2X PCI-E soundcard is a product of ASUSTek Computer Inc., Fremont, CA. http://www.asus.com
8 Sony MDR-XB500 headphones are a product of the Sony Corporation, http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/technology/technology/product/index.html
9 The Logitech USB desktop microphone is a product of the Logitech Group, headquartered in Romanel-sur-Morgest, Switzerland, URL: http://www.logitech.com
Declaration of interest: The authors report no declaration of interest.