Case study using ultrasound to treat /r/.

Background: Ultrasound has shown promise as visual feedback in remediation of /r/.

Aims: To compare treatment for /r/ with and without ultrasound.

Methods & Procedures: A Canadian English-speaking adolescent participated in a case study with a no treatment baseline, alternating treatment blocks with and without ultrasound and a final no treatment period.

Outcomes & Results: Formant values and trained listener ratings of speech samples indicated improvement in /r/ production, particularly after the introduction of ultrasound.

Conclusions: Ultrasound appeared to facilitate the acquisition of /r/ for the participant. Large-scale studies are needed to evaluate ultrasound further.