Ultrasound applicability in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology

Area of Science:

• Speech Language Pathology and Audiology Sciences
• Medical Imaging in Communication Disorders

Background:

• Ultrasound technology is increasingly explored for its applications in various medical fields.
• Its potential in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology (SLPA) requires systematic review.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent studies utilizing ultrasound in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology.
• To highlight the applicability of ultrasound across different SLPA subareas.

Main Methods:

• Bibliographic research conducted on the PubMed database.
• Keywords included "ultrasound," "speech," "voice," "swallow," and related terms.
• Studies from the past 5 years involving human participants were selected and analyzed descriptively.

Main Results:

• 12 articles focused on ultrasound in speech/phonetics.
• 5 articles explored ultrasound in voice applications.
• 10 articles investigated ultrasound in swallowing (deglutition).

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound demonstrates significant potential across multiple SLPA subareas.
• It offers enhanced diagnostic accuracy and novel evaluative and therapeutic possibilities.
• Further research confirms ultrasound as a valuable instrument in SLPA.