Signals and Systems for Speech and Hearing

Signals and Systems for Speech and Hearing (2nd edition) provides the reader with a thorough introduction to the concepts of signals and systems analysis that play a role in the speech and hearing sciences. Few equations are used, and an informal, friendly and informative style is maintained throughout. Because much of the story is told through figures, the authors have gone to great lengths to provide clear and truthful figures that show what the text says they do. It is hoped the reader will come away with a strong visual understanding of the concepts involved. This book can be used at many levels, from the student who hasn't heard of a spectrum before, to the experienced worker who has only a fuzzy understanding of the notion of an impulse response. The authors have tried to keep the underlying conceptual structure of signals and systems analysis explicit, in the hope that even some readers with advanced technical training might find clarification of the basic principles. Notable features include over 300 figures integrated closely with the text, all drawn specifically. Exercises are provided at the end of most chapters.

Many people working in the speech and hearing sciences come from non-technical backgrounds, making it difficult for them to master the essential technical underpinnings of the area. This book provides a thorough introduction to the concepts of signals and systems analysis that play a role in the speech and hearing sciences, using only minimal mathematics. Although not an introduction to speech and hearing per se, all of the examples discussed in the text are drawn from relevant areas-primarily theperipheral auditory system and the source-filter theory of speech production. The theoretical principles behind commom instrumentation used (such as tape recorders and sound spectrographs) is also discussed. An informal yet informative style is maintained throughout. Because much of the story is told through some 300 illustrations (all newly prepared specifically for this text), great care has been taken to make them clear and accurate. Exercises are provided at the end of each chapter.
This book provides a comprehensive course for the student entirely new to the field, while also providing a reference for the experienced worker. It will be essential for students of audiology, speech therapy, phonetics and psychology.