Usability of Two Ultrasound Tongue Imaging Devices in Speech-Language Pathology

Purpose: Ultrasound tongue imaging is a promising tool in speech-languagpathology; however, little is known about the usability of ultrasound scannefor speech-language pathologists (SLPs), who typically have low familiarity witultrasound imaging. This study looks at the usability of two ultrasound scanmodels for SLPs: a Sonosite all-in-one scanner with a wired probe, and a Clawireless probe scanner, used with a tablet app. Method: Twelve SLPs and phonetics experts (all female) participated in twfilmed sessions in our lab where they learned to use the two models of sners with custom-written manuals. Each scanner was used in each session complete a simple task including recording videos of their or the experimentetongue. After each use of a scanner, participants completed a modifiand translated version of the System Usability Scale. The time required complete the task was measured. Two expert judges rated the quality of video recordings. Results: Participants took less time to complete the task and improved thchoice of settings from the first to the second session, regardless of the scner being used. In the usability scale, SLPs showed a higher satisfaction wthe wireless tablet interface than with the all-in-one ultrasound interface. Ttablet interface with the wireless scanner also allowed better choices of stings. However, in the second session, positioning of the probe was better wthe all-in-one scanner, which has a smaller and lighter probe. Conclusions: For SLPs, the usability of a wireless ultrasound scanner with mobile application seems better than that of an all-in-one scanner. However, cumbersome probe seems to hamper probe positioning. Future studies shouinclude a lightweight ultrasound scanner that connects via USB to a laptop tablet and provide image interpretation training for the SLPs.