The Use of Visual Feedback in Establishing Normal Vocal Intensity in Two Mildly Retarded Adults

Abstract

A voice-activated relay was used to provide visual feedback of vocal amplitude for two subjects who habitually used very soft voices. The relay system caused a light to go on when vocal intensity was 65 dB SPL or greater. Both subjects demonstrated significant increases in their use of normal vocal intensity. One subject was able to transfer this progress to spontaneous conversational settings. Though some difficulties in generalization and automatization were evident, this system is recommended for use with persons exhibiting functional intensity deficiencies.