Project Mentor: Prof. Dhruv R. Seshadri, Bioengineering
Project Description:
What innovations are needed to create better therapies in Kazakhstan?
Speech therapy in Kazakhstan is making strides, but there are still challenges to address, particularly regarding accessibility and resource availability. By leveraging technology and increasing awareness, the field can continue to grow and better serve those in need. Proper tongue posture can improve breathing, swallowing, and overall oral health. For those with speech issues, this device could help in retraining tongue placement for clearer pronunciation. Consistent feedback can help users develop better habits over time, making correct tongue posture second nature. Towards addressing this clinical need, we seek to develop a device that uses sensors to detect the position of the tongue and provide feedback when it is not resting against the palate. This could be useful for people looking to improve oral posture or for those undergoing myofunctional therapy. The device would be small and flexible that detects the tongue's position. These could be placed in a comfortable mouthguard or a slim tongue band that rests in the mouth. When the tongue isn’t resting against the palate, the device could provide gentle vibrations or auditory signals to remind the user to adjust their posture. Pairing the device with a mobile app could allow users to track their tongue posture over time, set reminders, and receive tips on improving oral posture. The materials used should be biocompatible, non-toxic, and comfortable for extended wear, ensuring it’s easy to integrate into daily life. By focusing on a low-cost sensor, this project has the potential to transform rehabilitative healthcare in Kazakhstan, providing a low-cost means for objective rehabilitation for speech therapy. We will collaborate with students at the International IT University in Almaty on this project.