Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 6/24/2008

Question
The Lombard Effect is when we subconscously raise our voice to compensate for background noise. This effect is a problem for me, due to my having one-sided hearing. My brain cannot filter out background noise, and it seems louder to me than to others.  As a result, the Lombard Effect is magnified for me, and I speak too loudly.

I am writing because I want to do something about this problem. That is, I want to learn to speak softer than my brain tells me I should. This is not easy -- relying on "remembering" to tell myself to do it does not work (I tried, and I've read as much in one of the papers I found on Google search).  

Do you have any ideas on what might work? Some form of biofeedback? Can you recommend any specialists or labs in the Boston area that could help me?

Many thanks,

Dina

Answer
Hi Dina,
Speech therapists are the healthcare professionals that can help you with your situation. They will train you how to monitor your voice.  In the Boston area, there are several places that can provide this service: you can try Mass General, Mass Eye & Ear, or even Northeastern University.  If you want a complete list of providers in your area, you can go to the American Speech Language and Hearing website: asha.org.  Just click on the link on the left side Find a Professional, fill in your criteria, and you will get a list of all providers with their contact information.
Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology