Influence of Virtual Reality on Voice Perception and Production

The specific aim of the clinical trial portion of the larger research project is to obtain preliminary data on the utility of voice training (resonant voice) in the VR environment compared to a traditional clinical environment, using a mixed model within- and between-subjects randomized experimental design. Independent Variables are (1) training and test condition (clinic room vs VR classroom for training); (2) visual speaker-to-listener distance (2m, 4m, and 6m for training); and (3) time point (baseline at 2 m, retention test at 4 m, and 9 m for transfer test). Dependent Variables are (a) vocal sound pressure level (SPL); and (b) spectral moments (spectral mean and standard deviation (in Hz and cents), skewness, and kurtosis). The hypothesis is that a two-way interaction will be shown between training condition and time point showing greater acquisition and transfer of voice skills following training in the VR environment than in the typical clinical environment. This series will utilize a high degree of innovation and sophisticated VR technology to identify parameters important for subsequent VR development in voice therapy, and to lay the empirical foundation for subsequent studies that build on the present work expanding both its basic science and translational value.