Lombard effect
Lombard Effect
Lombard effect (/lɒmˈbɑːrd/; from the French effet Lombard, named after Étienne Lombard, a French otolaryngologist) is a phenomenon in which speakers involuntarily increase their vocal effort and consequently their vocal intensity to compete with ambient noise.
Etymology
The Lombard effect is named after Étienne Lombard, a French otolaryngologist who first reported the phenomenon in 1911. The term "Lombard effect" was later coined by English-speaking scientists to describe the phenomenon.
Definition
The Lombard effect refers to the involuntary increase in vocal intensity in response to increased ambient noise. This effect is observed in most speakers, regardless of their language or cultural background. It is considered a reflex action of the auditory system to help the speaker's voice to be heard in noisy environments.
Related Terms
- Vocal effort: The amount of physical exertion used to produce speech sounds.
- Ambient noise: Background noise present in a given environment.
- Otolaryngology: The branch of medicine that deals with diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the ear, nose, and throat.
- Auditory system: The sensory system for the sense of hearing.
Research and Studies
Research on the Lombard effect has shown that it is not just an increase in loudness, but also involves changes in pitch, rate, and duration of speech. Studies have also shown that the Lombard effect can be observed in many different species, not just humans, suggesting that it is a fundamental aspect of vocal communication.
Clinical Significance
Understanding the Lombard effect has important implications in various fields such as audiology, speech-language pathology, and communication sciences. It can help in the diagnosis and treatment of various speech and hearing disorders. It is also important in the design of hearing aids and cochlear implants, as these devices need to take into account the Lombard effect to provide optimal performance in noisy environments.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lombard effect
- Wikipedia's article - Lombard effect
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