Available Technologies

Background

Voice disorder treatment, including polyps, nodules, and muscle tension dysphonia, relies on speech-language pathologists. Specialist shortages and reliance on practitioner experience cause variable outcomes and limited scientific evidence. Independent patient rehabilitation is also hard to sustain, highlighting the need for a system ensuring reproducible effects and adherence.

Description and Advantages

The new voice therapy system not only visualizes speech but also provides real-time scoring of how closely a user's voice matches target speech characteristics. By combining an acoustic analysis method (Fig.1) that evaluates the ratio of noise and harmonic energy with MR (Mixed Reality), Kyoto University researchers created an interface that intuitively visualizes timbre and pitch, allowing training through a game-like experience (Fig.2). This technology offers quantitative, reproducible feedback for clinical voice therapy and has potential applications in developmental support, elderly care, voice training, and health management.

➢ Improved Treatment Efficiency and Adherence

　Visual feedback on vocal characteristics enhances communication with speech-language pathologists and rehabilitation efficiency.

➢ Ensuring the Quality of Voice Therapy

　Standardized treatment and objective outcome evaluation ensure consistent, reliable care regardless of practitioner experience.

➢ Improved Access to Treatment

　This technology is expected to expand treatment access even in areas with few specialists.