This paper reports the results of perception tests administered to speakers of Japanese as part of a cross-language investigation of how voice quality and f0 combine in the signalling of affect. Three types of synthesised stimuli were presented: (1) ‘VQ only’ involving variations in voice quality and a neutral f0; (2) ‘f0 only’, with different f0 contours and modal voice; and (3) combined ‘VQ +...

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to determine if the design enhancements incorporated into the new Provox Vega Indwelling Voice prostheses result in any positive benefits in vivo. METHODS Using a randomized, crossover study design, 31 participants using tracheoesophageal speech postlaryngectomy completed a 3-week trial of the Provox Vega and a comparator device. Main outcome measure...

We introduce a technique for augmenting neural text-to-speech (TTS) with lowdimensional trainable speaker embeddings to generate different voices from a single model. As a starting point, we show improvements over the two state-ofthe-art approaches for single-speaker neural TTS: Deep Voice 1 and Tacotron. We introduce Deep Voice 2, which is based on a similar pipeline with Deep Voice 1, but con...

This paper analyzes voice quality in terms of R-Factor and MOS in IEEE 802.11s Wireless Mesh Network (WMN). Another issue addressed in this paper is the effect of increasing nodes on voice transmission in wireless mesh network. The simulation model developed allows identifying the main reasons for voice quality degradation in Mesh network. Results show that voice quality measured in terms of R-...

OBJECTIVE To compare and contrast functional speech outcomes of patients having undergone total laryngectomy and pharyngolaryngectomy who use tracheoesophageal speech as their primary mode of communication. DESIGN Group comparison design. SETTING Adult acute tertiary care hospital. PATIENTS Thirty patients who underwent total laryngectomy and 13 who underwent pharyngolaryngectomy with fre...

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to investigate the connections between voice ergonomic risk factors found in classrooms and voice-related problems in teachers. METHODS Voice ergonomic assessment was performed in 39 classrooms in 14 elementary schools by means of a Voice Ergonomic Assessment in Work Environment--Handbook and Checklist. The voice ergonomic risk factors assessed included wor...

AIM To obtain information about valved speech and related issues in patients who have undergone total laryngectomy with the help of a new structured questionnaire on voice prosthesis. SETTINGS AND DESIGN A questionnaire-based pilot study set at a tertiary referral head and neck cancer unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-five patients using voice prostheses, who showed no signs of recurrence ...

BACKGROUND Many studies have referred to the effects of age on voice and the consequences of these changes. However, only little is known about the adverse effects of voice changes on quality of life in the elderly. OBJECTIVE This study focuses on self-perception of voice in seniors as assessed by the Voice-Related Quality of Life (V-RQOL) questionnaire, on voice quality as measured by the Dy...