USING COMPRESSED SPEECH TO MEASURE SIMULTANEOUS PROCESSING IN PERSONS WITH AND WITHOUT VISUAL IMPAIRMENT

This study investigated the use of compressed speech as a modality for assessment of the simultaneous processing function for participants with visual impairment. A 24-item compressed speech test was created using a sound editing program to randomly remove sound elements from aural stimuli, holding pitch constant, with the objective to emulate the effect of incomplete visual stimuli in gestalt closure tests assessing simultaneous processing. The participant sample included 26 college students with impaired vision and a comparison sample of 88 sighted college students. Participants completed the compressed speech on a computer, along with a general ability measure and standard scales of neuropsychological function. The compressed speech test had a statistically significant positive relationship with both of the scales associated with the simultaneous processing function. Results suggest that compressed speech may provide a viable alternative to assess the simultaneous processing function, equitable for use with persons with and without visual disability.