Lombard effect

The Lombard effect, after the French scientist Étienne Lombard (1868-1920) named, refers to the observation that a speaker in the presence of background noise increases its volume and usually also its pitch.

Because of the requirement to be able to communicate while the interlocutor in a high ambient noise level, a spokesperson not only increases its volume, but involuntarily, the pitch of his voice. One explanation is that high frequencies better against ambient noise prevail as deep. But not only at a limited social feedback loop the speaker is louder and higher, but also when its own feedback is hindered, for example by wearing ear cover. At the same time the word duration and pronunciation frequencies increase significantly.

Lombard effect as an aid for people with Parkinson's

One effect of Parkinson 's disease is the tendency of patients to speak softly. Here it can be a help in certain circumstances, to produce background noise that must be drowned out when speaking. After switching off the noise of the patient retains frequently for some time, the higher volume of voice in, so a conversation is much easier then with him.

Lombard effect in audiometry

The Lombard effect is also in Lombard attempt an audiometric method of Oto- Rhino-Laryngology, exploited, with the simulation of a two-sided deafness or hearing loss can be detected.