SWALLOWING ASSESSMENT AND IMPROVEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS
First Claim
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1. A system for assessing swallowing function, comprising:
- a) an intraoral device comprising an adjustably bendable metal frame having a central linear portion comprising a proximal end positioned towards an anterior opening of a mouth and a distal end positioned towards a back of the mouth when said intraoral device is placed into a subject'"'"'s mouth;
a first pressure sensor positioned on a first region of said frame; and
a second pressure sensor positioned on a second region of said central linear portion of said frame near said distal end of said central linear portion, wherein said second region of said central linear portion of said frame positions said second pressure sensor at a boundary between a subject'"'"'s hard and soft palate when said intraoral device is placed into a subject'"'"'s mouth; and
b) a computing device comprising a display and comprising a processor in electronic communication with said pressure sensors wherein said processor is configured to display a diagnostic and therapeutic protocol to said subject that instructs said subject to actuate said pressure sensors with the subject'"'"'s tongue over a period of time to improve lingual strength.
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Abstract
The present disclosure relates to devices, systems, and methods for assessing and altering swallowing, speech, and breathing function. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices and systems to assess and improve speech, breathing, and swallowing function in subjects in need thereof.
12 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A system for assessing swallowing function, comprising:
- a) an intraoral device comprising an adjustably bendable metal frame having a central linear portion comprising a proximal end positioned towards an anterior opening of a mouth and a distal end positioned towards a back of the mouth when said intraoral device is placed into a subject'"'"'s mouth;
a first pressure sensor positioned on a first region of said frame; and
a second pressure sensor positioned on a second region of said central linear portion of said frame near said distal end of said central linear portion, wherein said second region of said central linear portion of said frame positions said second pressure sensor at a boundary between a subject'"'"'s hard and soft palate when said intraoral device is placed into a subject'"'"'s mouth; and
b) a computing device comprising a display and comprising a processor in electronic communication with said pressure sensors wherein said processor is configured to display a diagnostic and therapeutic protocol to said subject that instructs said subject to actuate said pressure sensors with the subject'"'"'s tongue over a period of time to improve lingual strength. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
- a) an intraoral device comprising an adjustably bendable metal frame having a central linear portion comprising a proximal end positioned towards an anterior opening of a mouth and a distal end positioned towards a back of the mouth when said intraoral device is placed into a subject'"'"'s mouth;
Specification