Iranian Researchers Develop Indigenous Technology for Speech Disorder Treatment
Iranian Researchers Develop Indigenous Technology for Speech Disorder Treatment
https://wanaen.com/iranian-researchers-develop-indigenous-technology-for-speech-disorder-treatment/
Publish Date: 2026-05-09 08:32:00
Source Domain: wanaen.com
WANA (May 09) – Researchers at the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences have successfully localized electropalatography (EPG) technology, achieving the technical expertise required to produce advanced speech therapy equipment within Iran.
During a knowledge translation session held at the university, Leila Ghasisin, an Associate Professor in the Department of Speech Therapy, explained that the tongue is the most dynamic speech organ, requiring precise contact with various areas of the palate to produce specific sounds.
She noted that individuals with disorders such as tongue paralysis, Down syndrome, or hearing loss often struggle to perceive the correct positioning of the tongue.
The newly developed device utilizes an artificial palate equipped with electrodes to map the tongue’s movement in real-time on a monitor. This provides both the patient and the therapist with immediate visual feedback regarding the sound production process.
Breaking the Technological Monopoly
Ghasisin highlighted that this development breaks a long-standing international monopoly on the technology. Previously, the high cost of the equipment and the necessity of manufacturing custom artificial palates for each patient abroad had severely restricted its use in Iran.
The Associate Professor mentioned that a prototype of the device has been designed through collaborative research. She identified the primary technical challenge as the construction of silver electrodes capable of resisting oxidation caused by oral moisture, noting that the prototype has already passed technical laboratory tests successfully.
Path Toward Clinical Use and Commercialization
While the project marks a significant milestone, Ghasisin emphasized the need for structural support to move beyond the laboratory phase. She stated that the current model requires further technical upgrades and financial backing to enter clinical trials and obtain necessary medical certifications for intraoral…
