Perceptual and acoustic evidence of speaker adaptation to a thin pseudopalate.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a thin pseudopalate on the speech of normal adults. It was hypothesized that speech would be initially altered, but speakers would adapt quickly to the device. Eleven speakers produced words without the pseudopalate and at six intervals with the appliance in place. Consonant acoustics were changed initially, but returned to baseline within approximately 30 minutes. Perceptually, consonant identification and distortion ratings were unchanged when wearing the pseudopalate. Results suggest an initial alteration to speech detectable acoustically, but rapid adaptation, for most speakers. Investigators using thin pseudopalates must recognize that speech is altered, at least initially, and account for this in their procedures and interpretation of results.