A preliminary report of oral tactile sensation and responses to delayed auditory feedback

Individual speakers vary widely in their reactions to delayed auditory feedback. In this pilot investigation, 21 adults with normal speech and hearing completed standardized readings under simultaneous and 200-msec. delayed auditory feedback. Minimally and maximally affected speakers were identified. Vibrotactile thresholds were obtained from the tongue and thenar eminence of the right hand for a group of five minimally and a group of five maximally affected speakers. Analysis showed that vibrotactile thresholds were lower (more sensitive) at both assessment sites for the group of maximally affected speakers. This finding is discussed in relation to the possible implications of heightened tactile sensitivity in the control of speech under delayed auditory feedback.