Abstract:In this study, a novel interactive speech training system based on virtual reality articulation was introduced and its efficiency in the rehabilitation of hearing impaired (HI) children was investigated as well. 20 meaningful words in Mandarin were presented by using a 3D talking head in this system for articulatory training. The Electro-Magnetic Articulography (EMA) and graphic transform technology were used to develop the reality inner articulatory movements of 3D talking head. Furthermore, relevant corpus was organized in a listening module and a speaking module of the system to help to recover the HI children’s language skills. Then, the accuracy of virtual reality (VR) articulatory movement model was evaluated through a series of experiments. Finally, a pilot test was performed on the training of two HI children with the system. The preliminary results show that there is an improvement in the speaking abilities of the tested HI children. Meanwhile, the system was recognized as acceptable and interesting for younger children. The study indicates that the presented training system is effective to articulation training for the HI children.