Techniques for field application of lingual ultrasound imaging

Abstract

Techniques are discussed for using ultrasound for lingual imaging in field‐related applications. The greatest challenges we have faced distinguishing the field setting from the laboratory setting are the lack of controlled head/transducer movement, and the related issue of tissue compression. Two experiments are reported. First, a pilot study identifies important factors in controlling head/transducer movement in field settings. Second, an Optotrak/ultrasound study reports the range of head movement in an optimal field‐like setting within and across varying phonetic contexts, as well as the effect of tongue tissue compression on tongue image data. Results suggest that with a simple arrangement involving a head rest or surface, a fixed transducer, and careful design and presentation of stimuli, reliable lingual ultrasound data can be collected in the field.