Speech Viewer and ultrasonograph as a combined speech therapy instrument for deaf children

Abstract

The Speech Viewer, a computer-assisted tool for speech and voice training, and ultrasonography of the tongue were used for rehabilitation of five deaf children aged three to six years. Three of these children underwent cochlear implantation before, two were supported with hearing aids. While the Speech Viewer presented audio-visual feedback connecting audible sounds with computer-generated visualizations, ultrasonography presented kinesthetic-visual feedback, since the sounds were associated with kinesthetic perception of the tongue and shape visualization of the tongue dorsum. The children practised the combined speech and voice training with high motivation and efficiency.

Key Words:

• combined speech therapy instrument
• Speech Viewer
• ultrasonography
• deaf children
• multimodal feedback.