Overview

• The study enrolled 108 children ages 9–15 with residual speech sound disorder over 10 weeks, comparing ultrasound biofeedback, visual-acoustic biofeedback, and traditional motor-based therapy.
• Across the first three sessions, children receiving biofeedback improved at 2.4 times the rate of those in motor-based treatment based on an acoustic measure of ‘r’ accuracy.
• Ultrasound and visual-acoustic biofeedback performed similarly, with no significant difference detected between the two modalities.
• Researchers say faster early progress could shorten therapy, reduce child frustration, and help clinicians manage heavy caseloads more efficiently.
• The findings were published on Sept. 8, 2025, in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research and were supported by a five-year, $3.1 million NIDCD grant.