Abstract
This review paper describes an “acoustic-phonetic” experimental approach aimed at
understanding normal and abnormal speech perception processes from both a behavioral
and an electrophysiologic perspective. First, we consider the relevant acoustic characteristics
of speech and identify a set of acoustic-phonetic classes that represent the parameters
most important for making an acoustic signal sound like speech. Second, we review
what is known about the neurophysiologic representation of acoustic-phonetic speech
parameters in animal and human subjects. Third, we describe how an acoustic-phonetic
approach has been useful in understanding the biologic basis of some auditory learning
problems in children and in characterizing the behavioral and neurophysiologic changes
resulting from speech-sound training. Finally, we discuss these findings and how they
may expand the diagnostic and rehabilitative repertoire of practicing audiologists.
Abbreviations: F0 = fundamental frequency; F1, F2, etc. = first formant, second formant, etc; fMRI = functional magnetic resonance
imaging; JND = just noticeable difference; MMN = mismatch negativity
Key Words
Acoustic phonetics - evoked potentials - neurophysiology - speech perception