Advances in EPG palate design

Abstract

Electropalatography (EPG) is a highly effective tool for speech research and for the diagnosis and treatment of a range of speech disorders. The technique requires an EPG palate to be custom made for each user. The manufacture of the palate is both costly and time consuming and inhibits wider uptake of the technique. This paper undertakes a thorough re-examination of all aspects of EPG palate design including criteria for selecting the number and location of contacts, materials properties, costs and safety issues. Palate design over the last 30 years is reviewed and a new design (the Articulate palate) is proposed based on the findings, which minimizes cost while maximizing comfort, safety, convenience, reliability and accuracy.