Research Facilities

Auditory Perception Laboratory

The Auditory Perception Laboratory is located in the Speech and Hearing Center. It is equipped to investigate the auditory perception of speech and non-speech signals as well as signal processing techniques used in amplifying systems. The laboratory consists of a double-wall, sound-treated booth equipped with five high-quality speakers for stimuli originating from multiple directions. Experiments are controlled with an Intel-based personal computer, Tucker-Davis Technology Power-SDAC, and peripheral devices (e.g., filters, amplifiers, attenuators, mixers). Subjects respond through keyboard, mouse, or computer monitor touch-screen. Knowles Electronics Manikin for Acoustic Research (KEMAR) is also available for acoustic measurements. A Frye FONIX 6500-CX Hearing Aid Test System with Real-Ear Option is connected to a computer for direct transfer of hearing-aid measurements. The laboratory houses the UT Cochlear Implant Program and is capable of mapping the Nucleus-24 Cochlear Implant manufactured by the Cochlear Corporation. A digital audio and video workstation is connected to the Internet for development of multimedia teaching materials.

Auditory Research Laboratory

The Auditory Research Laboratory (ARL) is housed in the Speech and Hearing Center. Three sound-treated rooms are located in the ARL. Equipment is available to synthesize and generate any type of sound digitally. Responses to sounds can be measured behaviorally, acoustically, or physiologically. Research projects may involve the assessment of normal and/or disordered auditory processes. The ARL contains both IBM- and Apple-compatible computers plus related hardware. Software is available to perform all current forms of data analysis. The ARL is connected to the University's mainframe computers via an Ethernet network.

Developmental Stuttering Laboratory

The Developmental Stuttering Laboratory (DSL) was established to support experimental investigation of potential causal contributors and the advancement of evidence based treatment for children and adults who stutter. The DSL is outfitted with 1 administrative computer, 2 testing computers, and 2 analysis computers. The testing workstations in the lab are configured to allow for DVD recording of test subjects for later analysis. The recordings feature studio-quality audio of the test subject, a close-up video image of the test subject's face, and a small video inset window showing the testing workstation's display. Additionally, the testing workstations utilize serial response boxes, which allow for timing subject response using tactile button presses and spoken feedback. One of the testing workstations also features high-fidelity direct-to-disk recording and analysis tools for analyzing specific aspects of the human speech process. The analysis workstations in the lab are configured to allow easy viewing, transcription, and coding of previously recorded DVDs. The workstations feature high-fidelity monitor speakers, headphones, and multiple monitors to allow for efficient workflows. In order to guarantee the highest fidelity recordings during lab tests, the lab has been fitted with sound proof insulation, and the lab utilizes high-quality condensor microphones, studio-grade microphone pre-amps, and studio-grade wiring and accessory electronics. Software and data co-processors specific to the functions of the lab include E-Prime, the research version of SALT V9, and CSL. The location of the lab within the Speech and Hearing Center facilitates the ACSIR program by allowing direct access to the 12 available therapy rooms that come equipped with two way mirrors and audio and video recording devices.

Human Abilities in Bilingual Language Acquisition (HABLA Lab)

The HABLA Lab is located in the Lake Austin Center at 3001 Lake Austin Blvd. The space includes a meeting room, offices for faculty, research associates, and doctoral students who are working on funded research projects associated with the lab. The lab houses a transcription lab with 12 computer stations in room 2.420 where students work on transcription of language samples and data analysis.

Language Learning and Bilingualism Lab

The Language Learning and Bilingualism Lab is located in the Lake Austin Center (LAC2.426, 2.428) at 3001 Lake Austin Blvd. A one-way mirror between these two adjacent rooms allows parents and research assistant to observe ongoing experiments. Child-friendly decorations make it a welcoming environment for young participants. The lab is outfitted with state-of-the-art audio and video recording equipment. Two Dell workstations are available for running computerized experiments that interface with a voice- or touch-activated response box. Two additional Dell workstations are available in room 2.420, a shared space where students work on transcription and data analysis.

SoundBrain Lab

In the SoundBrain Lab, we study the sensory and cognitive processes that underlie speech and music perception.  Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), event-related potentials (ERPs), brainstem electrophysiology, and behavioral methods, we study the representation of speech and music in the human brain, and how these representations are modified by listening experiences. Learn more at http://soundbrainlab.wordpress.com/. 

Speech Production Laboratory

Located in the Speech and Hearing Center, the Speech Production Laboratory supports a variety of student and faculty research on the physiological, acoustical, and perceptual characteristics of normal and disordered speech. Facilities include an IAC single walled sound booth for subject testing, digital speech analysis workstations, Visipitch, Sonagraph, and Visicorder systems, and analog and digital tape recorders. Available software packages include Macspeech Lab, Macadios, Ils, Pepper, and SYSTAT. The laboratory supports a full range of acoustic phonetic analyses, surface electromyography, and strain gauge techniques.