High-Resolution Cervical Auscultation and Data Science: New Tools to Address an Old Problem

Coyle & Sejdić | 2020

— Purpose —

The use of technological advances and wearable devices [like High Resolution Cervical Auscultation (HRCA)] can extend the dysphagia clinician’s reach and reinforce top-of-license practice for patients with swallowing disorders.

— Findings —

Using new technological advances such as high speech accelerometry, acoustic data through with microphones, and machine learning in conjunction with cervical auscultation (CA), researchers have found a promising new avenue to determine penetration/aspiration non-invasively (I.e. without VFSS or FEES). This research could aid in dysphagia detection/swallowing screening without the use of instrumental assessment. New technological advances are met with apprehension but with enough traction and body of evidence, HRCA could be a top competitor with VFSS/FEES in the detection of dysphagia.

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— Citation —

Coyle, J. L., & Sejdić, E. (2020). High-Resolution Cervical Auscultation and Data Science: New Tools to Address an Old Problem. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 29(2S), 992–1000. https://doi.org/10.1044/2020_AJSLP-19-00155