Evaluation of a Real-Time Ultrasound Scanner in Assessing Lateral Pharyngeal Wall Motion During Speech

Abstract

A real-time ultrasound scanner using 64 crystals was used to monitor the position of the lateral pharyngeal wall (LPW) at the frequencies of 2.25, 3.5, and 5.0 MHz. Three subjects were observed during production of a speech protocol. The study showed the quality of information from such an ultrasound system could be sufficient to make clinicaljudgments regarding LPW motion. Current video-radiography techniques still provide more total information, but with development, clinical ultrasonography has the potential to provide the same information. In addition, ultrasonography produces no known biological damage.