Ultrasound biofeedback for speech training. Instrumentation and preliminary results.

Real-time ultrasound scanning was employed as biofeedback therapy to correct a persistent articulatory speech defect in a subject. The subject continuously imaged her tongue with a transducer placed submentally. During a speech exercise, the subject could compare her tongue's positioning and movement with an ultrasound image showing the correct tongue placement prerecorded onto video tape by a speech therapist. Preliminary results suggest that this technique could be a valuable addition to speech therapy.