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University of Wyoming

Education and Research Laboratories

Auditory Perception Laboratory

The Auditory Perception Laboratory is equipped to examine the auditory perception of speech and non-speech signals as well as signal processing techniques used in hearing aids and cochlear implants. The laboratory consists of a double-wall, sound-treated booth equipped with two speakers and a headphones. Experiments are controlled with a personal computer, Tucker-Davis Technology System III, and peripheral devices (e.g., filters, amplifiers, attenuators, mixers). Equipment is also available to synthesize and generate any type of sound digitally. Subjects respond to sounds can be measured behaviorally or acoustically. Research projects may involve the assessment of normal and/or disordered auditory processes. Software is available to perform all current forms of data analysis.

Auditory Percepton and Speech Signal LaboratoryAuditory Perception and Speech Signal Processing Lab

The activity in this lab includes basic research in auditory perception and applied research in speech signal processing for hearing devices. In auditory perception studies, we examine how listeners perceive simple, complex, and speech sounds. These studies involve behavioral measurements of listeners’ ability to discriminate different sounds, and theoretical modeling of the auditory neural processing of these sounds. Through these studies, we understand better how acoustic environment is represented in the auditory system, and gain insights on how to overcome the adverse effect of hearing impairment. The research outcome will help us develop more effective speech processing algorithms and, ultimately, more effective hearing devices.

Auditory Research Laboratory

The Auditory Research Laboratory is designed to accommodate a wide range of auditory and related experiments that require a controlled, sound-attenuating environment.  The central unit in the lab is an Acoustic Systems auditory test suite.  The suite's 9 by 8 foot double-wall examination room is adequately large for use in pediatric and amplification device studies requiring a sound field environment.  The 6 by 9 foot single-wall control room is ample for multiple examiners and instrumentation.  Consistent with its primary use, the lab is equipped with audiometric and accessory instrumentation to evaluate auditory behavior in infants; nevertheless, facilities are adaptable to the study of auditory perception in other age groups.  The test suite and instrumentation are dedicated to research study.

Child Language Laboratory

The Child Language Laboratory is devoted to the study of language development and intervention.  The lab has four Pentium computers, transcription machines, a laser printer, audiovisual recording equipment, and plenty of toys and books.  Data collected from schools, homes, and the recording studio are transcribed and analyzed using various computer-assisted language analyses programs.

Speech Science Laboratory

Speech Science LaboratoryThe Speech Science Laboratory (SSL) consists of several state-of-the-art workstations that are equipped for multi-channel acquisition and analysis of acoustic, aerodynamic, and electroglottographic (EGG) signals.  Research activities in the SSL include studies of laryngeal and velopharyngeal function, vocal fold behavior of tone production, acoustical analysis of English produced by non-native English speakers, and the production and perception of normal and disordered nasalization.

Equipment in the SSL includes a two-channel CSL 4100, four-channel CSL 4300B, laryngograph, Rothenberg aerodynamic system, inverse filter, DATAQ data acquisition/analysis hardware and software, accelerometry, an acoustic rhinometer, and digital stroboscopy.

The SSL supports student and faculty research activity, and provides an excellent opportunity for student education through demonstration and individual lab exercises.  Some graduate assistantships are regularly associated with ongoing research in the SSL based upon the interest and goals of student applicants.

Sign-Language Lab

The Sign Language Laboratory is used by students enrolled in our Sign Language classes. Students practice their signing and reading skills with other students and teaching assistants. The lab houses ten computers with CD/DVD that allows students to watch tapes concerning deaf culture. The lab also features a large, round seminar table that is used for sign language instruction.