12.30-13:30 UK 3rd November 2021
Trevor J. Cox1, George Dodgson2, Lara Harris1, Emanuele Perugia3, Michael A. Stone3, Michael Walsh2
- Acoustics Research Centre, University of Salford, UK
- Maker Space, University of Salford, UK
- Manchester Centre for Audiology and Deafness, University of Manchester, UK
As we’ve all experienced first hand, opaque face masks harm communication by preventing speech-reading (lip-reading) and attenuating high frequency sound. While clear panels inserted into face masks allow speech-reading, they usually create greater sound attenuation. This talk will update on the EPSRC project “Improved face-worn PPE designs for use by the public and professionals to reduce audio-visual communication difficulties.” Experiments showed that lowering the mass of clear inserts decreases the high-frequency sound attenuation. The speech intelligibility index (SII) was also evaluated for the various masks. Measurements were performed with both a head and torso with mouth simulator (mannikin), and with human talkers. Uncertainty in face mask measurements was also quantified.
Microsoft Teams meeting