AN ULTRASOUND PROTOCOL FOR COMPARING TONGUE CONTOURS: UPRIGHT VS SUPINE

A study is described that employs ultrasound to measure the effects of gravity on production of vowels. The materials are designed to encourage consistent production over repetitions. A recording and analysis protocol is described which allows for correction for probe movement or rejection of data where correction is not possible. Results indicate a slight superior and posterior displacement of the tongue root in supine posture, consistent with a shift in the support structure of the tongue