Digital data collection and analysis: Application for clinical practice

Technology for digital speech recording and speech analysis is now readily available for all clinicians who use a computer. This article discusses some advantages of moving from analog to digital recordings and outlines basic recording procedures. The purpose of this article is to familiarize speech-language pathologists with computerized audio files and the benefits of working with those sound files as opposed to using analog recordings. This article addresses transription issues and offers practical examples of various functions, such as playback, editing sound files, using waveform displays, and extracting utterances. An appendix is provided that decribes step-by-step how digital recording can be done. It also provides some editing examples and a list of useful computer programs for audio editing and speech analyses. In addition, this article includes suggestions for clinical uses in both the assessment and the treatment of various speech and language disorders.