Design fundamentals for electrotactile devices: the Tickle Talker case study

Publisher’s permission requested and denied.Since the work of Gault in the 1920s, the literature has chronicled the development of numerous tactile devices for use by the hearing impaired in improving communication. Devices have been developed to target improvements in both speech perception and speech production. In each development, the inventors have attempted to encode speech information through stimulation of the intact kinaesthetic system of the individual, as a supplement or replacement for speech input available from the damaged auditory pathway

Acquisition of a tactile-alone vocabulary by normally hearing users of the Tickle Talker

Publisher’s permission requested and denied.Abstract not available due to copyright

A comparison of a new prototype Tickle Talker with a Tactaid 7

This is a publisher’s version of an article published in Australian and New Zealand Journal of Audiology 2001. This version is reproduced with permission from the publisher, Australian Academic Press. http://www.australianacademicpress.com.au/This study compared the speech perception enhancement provided by two multichannel tactile aids: a new version of the Tickle TalkerT™ and the Tactaid 7. The subjects' impression of benefit was also examined. In an AB pattern, six adults with hearing impairment used each device daily for approximately 18 weeks and attended 12 training sessions. When tactile information was provided, the group demonstrated a significant enhancement for the perception of words (mean 17.2%) and phonemes (mean 12.9%) in monosyllabic word lists, words in sentences (mean 14.2%) and speech tracking (mean 7.7 wpm). The Tactaid 7 provided a significantly greater enhancement for the perception of words (21 % versus 13.4%), phonemes (16.7% versus 9.1%) and some speech features in monosyllabic word lists. Subjective ratings were slightly higher for the Tactaid 7, and four subjects preferred this device. Either device may be suitable for those not able or willing to have a cochlear implant

Generalisation of tactile perceptual skills to new context following tactile-alone word recognition training with the Tickle Talker

Publisher’s permission requested and denied.Abstract not available due to copyright

Factors in the development of a training program for use with tactile devices

This is a publisher’s version of an article published in Ear and Hearing 1993. This version is reproduced with permission of Lippincott Wilkins & Williams.A review of the literature suggests that, in order to maximize the benefits available through a tactile device, it must be accompanied by an effective and adaptive training program. There are a number of factors to consider in the design of such a training program, including the type of tasks and response formats to include, the amount of training, subject motivation and device use, the characteristics of the potential user population, the specific device to be used and the type of information it provides, and the evaluation procedures to be followed. The type and saliency of the information provided by a particular tactile device are highlighted as the most important yet neglected consideration in designing a training program. The training program used with the University of Melbourne’s multiple-channel electrotactile device is presented to show how these important factors may be addressed, to indicate the flexibility required in a training program, and to provide a general framework on which researchers may base the development of programs for other tactile devices

Design fundamentals for a tactile speech processor: i) encoding of speech information, and ii) biomedical safety considerations [Abstract]

This is a publisher’s version of an article published in Australian Journal of Audiology 1992. This version is reproduced with permission from the publisher, Australian Academic Press. http://www.australianacademicpress.com.au/Approaches to providing speech information through the tactual modality have varied in: number and spatial location of transducers; method of interfacing with the skin's sensory apparatus; and content of speech information presented. Use of a multiple speech feature encoding approach to design of a tactile device was implemented in the wearable multichannel electrotactile speech processor or Tickle Talker developed at the University of Melbourne. Psychophysical studies established that subjects could discriminate salient electrical parameters in the tactual display, and that this information could be used to discriminate acoustic speech feature contrasts. Results with normally-hearing and hearing-impaired adults and children using an FOF2 encoding strategy showed improved discrimination scores for closed-set speech feature discrimination batteries, closed-set vowel and consonant identification tasks, as well as for open-set word and sentence comprehension. Based on analyses of tactual encoding of speech features, alternative speech processing strategies designed to increase the quality of speech information available were evaluated. Results for two hearing-impaired adults showed improved feature discrimination with the addition of a voicing signal to the FOF2 strategy. Biomedical safety investigations conducted concurrently have established that the electrical parameters of the stimulus waveform, electrode handset design, and electrical circuitry of the device are free from potential risks. Longer-term physiological assessments included measures of possible effects of electrical stimulation on tactual sensitivity, finger temperature, finger and hand blood flow, electrical thresholds and maximum comfortable levels, and on central nervous system, function as measured by EEG. Results of the kinesthetic, vascular and neurological assessments showed no significant contraindications which might limit application or long-term use of the device

Speech processing strategies in an electrotactile aid for hearing-impaired adults and children

This is a paper from the Third Australian International Conference on Speech Science & Technology, Melbourne, 27-29 November 1990, published by the Australian Speech Science and Technology Association. This version is reproduced with the permission of publisher.An electrotactile speech processor (Tickle Talker) for hearing-impaired children and adults has been developed and tested. Estimates of second format frequency, fundamental frequency and speech amplitude are extracted from the speech input, electrically encoded and presented to the user through eight electrodes located over the digital nerve bundles on the fingers of the non-dominant hand. Clinical results with children and adults confirm that tactually-encoded speech features can be recognized, and combined with input from vision or residual audition to improve recognition of words in isolation or in sentences. Psychophysical testing suggests that alternative encoding strategies using multiple-electrode stimuli are feasible. Preliminary results comparing encoding of consonant voiced/voiceless contrasts with new encoding schemes are discussed.27-29 Novembe