Perceptual Learning of Dysarthric Speech: A Review of Experimental Studies

Abstract

Purpose This review article provides a theoretical overview of the characteristics of perceptual learning, reviews perceptual learning studies that pertain to dysarthric populations, and identifies directions for future research that consider the application of perceptual learning to the management of dysarthria. Method A critical review of the literature was conducted that summarized and synthesized previously published research in the area of perceptual learning with atypical speech. Literature related to perceptual learning of neurologically degraded speech was emphasized with the aim of identifying key directions for future research with this population. Conclusions Familiarization with unfamiliar or ambiguous speech signals can facilitate perceptual learning of that same speech signal. There is a small but growing body of evidence that perceptual learning also occurs for listeners familiarized with dysarthric speech. Perceptual learning of the dysarthric signal is both theoretically and clinically significant. In order to establish the efficacy of exploiting perceptual learning paradigms for rehabilitative gain in dysarthria management, research is required to build on existing empirical evidence and develop a theoretical framework for learning to better recognize neurologically degraded speech.

The role of linguistic and indexical information in improved recognition of dysarthric speech

“…However, dysarthric speech is produced upon a platform of impaired muscle tone, inadequate respiratory drive, phonatory instability, and deficient articulatory movement. The implication for speech production is that although some acoustic degradation present in dysarthric speech may be relatively consistent, other breakdowns occur in nonsystematic and unpredictable ways (Borrie et al, 2012a). To date, no study has addressed the role of indexical information in perceptual learning of dysarthric speech.…”

“…Such knowledge is critical to inform the development of a model of perceptual processing that accounts for adaptation to neurologically degraded speech. Further, an understanding of the role that indexical information plays in perceptual learning of dysarthric speech is imperative to establish a theoretical framework that supports the development of listener-based treatment for the management of neurogenic speech disorders (Borrie et al, 2012a).…”

The influence of dialect upon the perception of dysarthic speech

“…Research is needed to see if these skills can be trained. This would follow with the suggestions made by Borrie, McAuliffe, and Liss (2012) who propose training listeners to better comprehend dysarthric speech in order for more successful interactions. Perhaps clinicians can be trained to better perceive speakers with dysarthria and with a dialect.…”

Construção de um instrumento de triagem de perturbações motoras da fala: Standardização do texto foneticamente equilibrado "O Sol"

“…A apraxia do discurso caracteriza-se pela dificuldade na programação voluntária dos movimentos musculares e na sequenciação dos sons da fala. A apraxia orofacial consiste na incapacidade de realizar movimentos voluntários da estrutura facial, da língua e do movimento de deglutição (Borrie, 2011;Knollman-Porter, 2008;Vaz, Fontes & Fukujima, 1999).…”