Protocol for Restricting Head Movement When Recording Ultrasound Images of Speech

Abstract

Ultrasound has been used as a diagnostic and intervention tool for speech-language pathology in order to examine tongue function during speech because it is readily accessible and non-invasive. Mid-sagittal or coronal dynamic two-dimensional images of tongue position and movement can be obtained as there are particularly strong ultrasound wave reflections from boundaries between tissue and air. Despite its potential usefulness as a technique, there have been limited research applications due to difficulty stabilizing the ultrasound transducer. The current research evaluates a specially designed helmet fitted with a microconvex endocavity ultrasound transducer. To verify tongue/palate contact and aid in establishing the validity and reliability of data, a female adult simultaneously wore an electropalatographic palate during ultrasound and acoustic data collection. Palate traces were verified by the activation of all electrodes on the EPG palate and the absence of sound on the waveform and spectrograph. Data indicated that the palate trace had limited movement over 1 hour of recording.