Research Facilities
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.
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.
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.
Memory and Language Laboratory
The Memory and Language Laboratory supports faculty and student research on cognitive processing, memory, bilingual language development, classroom discourse, and dynamic assessment of language. The laboratory, which is located on the fifth floor of the Jesse H. Jones Communication Center, includes a sound-treated room for subject testing and an observation room hidden by a one-way mirror. Equipment is available for high quality video recording, multi-channel audio recording, and audio/video transcription. IBM and Apple computers are used for digitizing, synthesizing, generating, and measuring sound; creating and coding language transcripts; and storing and analyzing data. The lab is also connected to the College of Communication ethernet network for rapid access to the Internet and the University's mainframe computers.
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.