At Tip of the Tongue Speech and Language, we are proud to offer the CompleteSpeech Palatometer System. This state-of-the-art palatometer device is a real-time visual feedback tool that aids in correct production of individual speech sounds during speech therapy, to improve articulation.
In speech therapy, it is common practice to use tactile stimulation and a mirror to help clients visualize placement of the tongue for speech sounds. While use of a computerized visual feedback device is often not necessary, in particular cases, an individual can benefit from more visualization to pinpoint the precise area where a problem in tongue placement exists. This device includes a pseudopalate called the SmartPalate, which looks similar to an orthodontic retainer and is specially constructed to fit the user's mouth using a dental model. The SmartPalate contains sensors that allows the user's tongue movements to be visualized on the screen when connected to the palatometer software on the speech-language pathologist's computer. The system provides information that cannot be gained through imitation or hands-on instruction alone. Side-by-side screens allow the speech-language pathologist to model tongue placement and the client to compare his production to the model.
Use of the SmartPalate takes place at Tip of the Tongue's office. Given practice using the SmartPalate during sessions with the speech-language pathologist, the client is expected to follow-through on practice at home, attempting to emulate movements of the tongue without use of the device. As such, more frequent sessions using the device can be useful, such as sessions twice weekly. While there is an initial investment of approximately $25 for a dentist's or orthodontist's dental model and $300 to purchase the pseudopalate, use of the CompleteSpeech Palatometer System has the capability of significantly shortening the number of speech sessions required over time. Additionally, it has the potential to expedite the learning process so that acquisition and carryover of new speech behaviors can take months rather than years.
While a client may benefit from having his or her own SmartPalate made up, at Tip of the Tongue we also use the speech-language pathologist's own pseudopalate as an instructional guide. Many clients can benefit from the visual feedback they receive in watching the screen as the SLP produces target speech sounds on her own. This feedback is especially useful for those with persistent speech errors, such as difficulty with speech sounds /r/, /l/, or /s/, and those seeking foreign accent modification. It is often the subtleties of tongue movement that allude these clients, and the CompleteSpeech Palatometer System allows them to discern the gross and fine movements of the tongue necessary to produce precise target speech sounds.
Studies of palatometer in conjunction with therapy from a knowledgeable speech-language pathologist show the usefulness of the additional visual feedback. Read about these studies at CompleteSpeech's website, www.completespeech.com, check out our Prezi by clicking the link or watch demonstrations in the videos, below.
At the present time, Tip of the Tongue Speech and Language is the only provider in St. Louis of this cutting edge technology for speech therapy. Please contact us to discuss whether the CompleteSpeech Palatometer System is right for you or your child.