Frequency compression and its effects in speech recognition.

BACKGROUND frequency compression. AIM to evaluate the index of speech recognition (IPRF) using frequency compression in three different ratios. METHODS monosyllabic words were recorded using an algorithm of frequency compression in three ratios: 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, generating three lists of words. Eighteen listeners accomplished the IPRF using the modified words. They were subdivided in two groups, considering familiarity with the speech material: group of audiologists (F) and group of patients (P). RESULTS a statistically significant decrease in accuracy was observed when using frequency compression. Group F presented a better performance than Group P in all of the applied ratio frequency compression ratios. CONCLUSION Frequency compression hinders speech recognition; as the compression ratio increases, so does the level of difficulty. Familiarity with the words facilitates recognition in any hearing condition.