Effectiveness of Ultrasound Biofeedback in the Treatment of Speech Sound Disorders Within a School Environment

Abstract

Implementation of ultrasound visual biofeedback (UVB) for remediation of speech sound errors in speech pathology has been successful when applied in controlled clinical settings, but no research has been completed to determine the method's effectiveness in a less controlled environment. The purpose of this research project was to evaluate the effectiveness of UVB in the remediation of Speech Sound Disorders (SSD) in a school setting. A multiple baseline multiple probe single case design was developed to examine the effects of ultrasound treatment. Participants would include up to 10 children diagnosed with SSDs. For each participant, two speech sounds in error will be monitored throughout the course of the study, one receiving treatment with UVB and the other being observed for generalization. Implications of possible results for this study in terms of implementation of UVB treatment into a school setting and future research are discussed, as well as barriers to research due to the COVID-19 pandemic.