Evaluation of the acoustic and aerodynamic constraints of a pneumotachograph for speech and voice studies

Abstract

International audienceTo measure oral and nasal airflow during speech production, several conditions must be gathered. In this aim, we designed and built a pneumotachograph with particular care to optimise its response time, linearity and acoustical response. This flow meter is based on the grid flow meter principle with a small dead volume and specific linearization for the inhaled and exhaled airflow. A soft silicone rubber mask, pressed against the speaker's face prevents air leakage, without hindering articulatory movements. The acoustical distortions of the speech sound through the device are remedied by an adapted signal processing from its transfer function