Learnability of ultrasound tongue imaging devices in speech-language pathology

Ultrasound tongue imaging has shown potential for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to evaluate and treat persistent articulatory disorders. However, SLPs typically begin with low to no familiarity with ultrasound. Thus, this study investigated an important aspect of ultrasound device usability: learnability for SLPs. The project was funded by an NSERC Engage grant in partnership with Clarius Mobile Health. Twelve SLPs learned to use two ultrasound devices: a wireless device, provided by our partner Clarius, and a traditional device, to record clips of their or the experimenter’s tongue. They then completed a questionnaire (French translation of the System Usability Scale (Brooke, 1996)). Two expert judges evaluated the clips recorded by the SLPs for the choice of settings and the positioning of the probe. Results of the SUS show a better usability for the wireless device than the traditional device. SLPs appreciated the user-friendly tablet interface, possibly because they are already used to interacting with tablets. Clips analyses show a better choice of settings by the SLPs with the wireless device. The positioning of the probe, however, was better with the traditional device, possibly due to its smaller probe. In conclusion, US seems to have a good potential of usability in speech-language pathology, provided that SLPs receive training for US image interpretation. A traditional US device may require a longer learning period than a wireless model with tablet interface.