Speech Research Center (PUTUKE) | Tampere universities

About us

PUTUKE is a teaching and research clinic for logopedics and vocology at Tampere University. We are a part of NEXUS, an interdisciplinary research infrastructure within Tampere University, which is a part of the national MAGICS research infrastructure. Our research activities focus on the study of voice and speech. PUTUKE also provides continuing education and speech and language therapy services in the Pirkanmaa region.

Facilities

Analyzing / training room (42.7 m²)

PUTUKE analyzing room with a table, sofa, piano and kitchen

Integrated speakers and microphones
A motion-tracking camera
Big screen
Kitchen
Piano

Individual therapy room (16.7 m²)

Integrated speakers and microphones
2 motion-tracking cameras
Touch screen, equipped for VR technology
Water point

Data collection room (29.9 m²)

Integrated speakers and microphones
2 motion-tracking cameras
Suitable for interviews, workshops, studying interaction and gestures

Studio (9.6 m²)

Recording booth (8.6 m²)

Equipment in recording booth and studio

Mics and speakers: Measurement microphones and other professional microphones for recording acoustic signal and studio-grade monitor speakers for audio playback
Airflow and pressure measurement system: Includes a mask, sensors, and a device to measure airflow and pressure during speech, crucial for studying phonation type.
EGG (Electroglottograph): A device that registers vocal fold contact during phonation, providing insights into voice quality and function, tracking also laryngeal movements.
Multichannel audio interface with DC-coupled inputs: A sound card that can record multiple AC and DC signals simultaneously, for example audio, EGG, air flow and air pressure signals all together in sync
Oscilloscope: helpful in visualizing EGG signal
Many others e.g., spirometer (respiratory), inductotrace (respiratory movements), nasometer etc...
Many analysis softwares and platforms for applying algorithms (Praat, Mathlab, Sopran, VoceVista etc.)

Speech and language therapy services

We offer evaluation periods, guidance, and rehabilitation periods for children and adults in the Pirkanmaa region. Speech and language therapy services are mainly provided for voucher and commitment customers, but you can also purchase services as a self-paying customer.

Further education

We provide vocology and speech therapy related further education courses for licensed speech therapists, voice and communications workers, health-care personnel from different professions, early childhood education and care, speech therapy students and educators from clinical field and universities. Announcements of upcoming training sessions can be found on this website.

Research

PUTUKE's research activities focus on the study of voice and speech.

Explore our ongoing key projects:

AAVISTUS is an interdisciplinary project aimed at studying acoustic and audiovisual signals as early indicators of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

AAVISTUS

Examining the long-term effects of stuttering within a work-life context, investigating societal attitudes toward stuttering, and critically considering the potential limitations these attitudes may create to individuals who stutter.

Mitä sä änkytät?

The study focuses on the efficiency and economy of powerful voice production in classical opera singing and contemporary music styles compared to powerful speech.

Voimakkaan äännön tehokkuus ja taloudellisuus klassisessa oopperalaulussa ja nykymusiikkityyleissä

Investigating the diversity of cultural voice usage by analyzing the characteristics of speech and voice across different professional groups, speaking situations, and singing genres.

Puheen ja äänen kulttuuriset variaatiot

Collaboration

We are open for research collaboration with departments such as psychology, linguistics, and computer science to explore the multifaceted aspects of speech and communication. By collaborating with hospitals and clinics we could also integrate speech research findings into clinical practice.

For collaboration requests, please contact our personnel.

Contacts

Head of PUTUKE: nelly.penttila [at] tuni.fi

Laboratory manager: vesa.ronkainen [at] tuni.fi