Ultrasound therapy for children with speech sound disorders
Official title: Communication in Children With or Without Biomedical Conditions: Speech and Language Profile, Related Outcomes and Articulation Treatment With Ultrasound
Run by The University of Hong Kong · NCT06831396 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if using ultrasound to help kids with speech sound disorders, especially those with brain tumors or cleft palates, can improve their speech by showing them how to move their tongues correctly.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 5 Years to 12 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 11, 2023 |
| Main results expected | August 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | October 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | March 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06831396 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are children with brain tumors or cleft palates who have articulation errors and speak Cantonese.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with syndromes, significant language disorders, or other biomedical conditions like cerebral palsy or autism may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of ultrasound-aided articulation therapy for children with speech sound disorders, specifically targeting those with brain tumors or cleft palates. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a high or low treatment intensity group, with the aim of assessing how ultrasound visualization of tongue movements can aid in correcting articulation errors. The study will include children who speak Cantonese and will control for variables such as age and gender. A waitlist control group will also be included for comparison.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could significantly improve speech articulation in children with specific speech sound disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of ultrasound in speech therapy is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in improving articulation in children.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Primary diagnosis of speech sound disorder with errors on lingual target sounds * Probe accuracy \<70% on the primary target sound at baseline * Cantonese as the first language * Hearing thresholds ≤25 dB in at least one ear, with no hearing loss exceeding 50 dB in the other ear * No syndromes or obvious dysmorphic features * No language disorders associated with biomedical conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder) * No oronasal fistula identified on oral examination or diagnosed velopharyngeal insufficiency Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of syndromes or dysmorphic features * Language disorder associated with biomedical conditions (e.g., cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder) * Hearing thresholds \>25 dB in one ear and \>50 dB in the other ear Planned surgical intervention during the study period
Where it's running
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Hong Kong Children's Hospital and Child Assessment Centre of The Duchess of Kent Children's Hospital
Hong Kong, Hong Kong Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Oi Yan Yoyo Yiu
- Email: h0501126@connect.hku.hk
- Phone: 5741 3431
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Online treatment for improving speech sound disorders in children
This study is testing if an online treatment that focuses on listening skills first or speaking skills first can help children with speech sound disorders improve their speech.
-
AI-guided home practice for improving speech sound production
This study is testing if using an AI program at home can help children and teens with Speech Sound Disorder improve how they say the 'r' sound compared to regular treatment alone.
-
Visual-acoustic biofeedback intervention for children with speech sound disorder
This study tests if a new speech therapy using visual and sound feedback works just as well for kids with speech sound disorder when done in person or online.
-
Investigating language development in children with communication challenges
This study is testing new ways to measure language growth in preschoolers with communication challenges, like Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy, to see what helps them learn to talk better.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.