An Experimental Pitch Indicator for Training Deaf Scholars

Abstract

An instrument is described which extracts from the complex speechwave, as produced by the deaf child or its teacher, information related to the subjective pitch of the sound. It then displays this information on the long‐persistence screen of a revolving cathode‐ray tube in such a manner that a continuous graph of pitch vs time is obtained. The deaf child is, therefore, enabled to compare visually the pitch patterns produced by its own voice with the standard as produced by the teacher and to correct defects in the pitch changes, rhythm, and phrasing of his speech. An experimental model of this instrument is being used successfully, but some deficiencies exist which require further study before an improved design can be finalized.