The Tongueometer is designed for those with reduced tongue strength and endurance. It may be appropriate for patients with the following conditions. Always consult with your healthcare provider before initiating any type of treatment.
- Head/Neck cancer
- Stroke
- Neurodegenerative disease (Parkinson’s, ALS, MS, dementia)
- Traumatic brain injury
- Aging-related tongue weakness
This device may be used under the guidance of the following specialists:
- Speech-language pathologists
- Otolaryngologists (ENT)
- Dentists
- Orthodontists
- Occupational therapists
- Physical therapists
- Researchers
The Tongueometer device can be used with multiple users as long as the bulb is replaced and the handheld device surface and equipment is disinfected between users.
To disinfect the Tongueometer device between users:
1. First, use a damp cloth to remove any visible dirt from the Tongueometer surfaces and equipment.
Note: Wipe only on the outside of the device, careful not to get the cloth caught on the metal tubing post.
2. Second, wipe the Tongueometer surfaces and equipment with a hospital-grade disinfectant wipe (e.g., Cavi wipe, bleach wipe), following the instructions on the wipe label.
Note: Avoid excess moisture around the metal tubing post and the cable insert.
Repeat step 1 if there is a residue remaining on the device or an undesirable odor from the disinfectant wipe.
Always confirm procedures with your institution’s infection control policies.
Download Bluetooth® Tongueometer Manual
Download Android-Only Tongueometer Manual
Or watch quick guide setup video:
We want to make using this device as simple as possible. Watch our video tutorials to learn how to download the app, set up the device, and use the exercise modules: https://e2scientific.com/video-tutorials/
The Tongueometer Performance Dashboard is a free downloadable Excel template used to graphically display a patient’s exercise and assessment results over time. This Excel template has three tabs:
- A graphical display of the Tongueometer’s device usage (i.e., the Dashboard)
- Data input tab (where the CSV file of raw usage data is copied)
- A brief set of instructions for using the template.
Download the Dashboard: Tongueometer Dashboard
*Please note that the Dashboard works only on PCs.
Measuring one's tongue strength can help healthcare professionals determine whether weakness may be related to one’s swallowing disorder.
Measuring one's tongue strength can help healthcare professionals determine the most appropriate plan of care and treatment program.
Objectively measuring and documenting progress can support treatment justification.
While it is recommended that you work closely with your healthcare professional to determine if the Tongueometer is right for you, E2 Scientific offers the following guidelines for evaluating tongue strength.
In healthy adults, maximum tongue strength falls in the range of 40-80 kPa, with an average of about 63 kPa. Tongue strength in older adults is somewhat lower than younger adults, averaging around 56 kPa.
There is considerable variability in tongue strength in healthy adults. The majority of adults have maximum tongue strength greater than 34 kPa.
Some evidence shows that increasing maximum tongue strength using a tongue exercise program such as the Tongueometer is associated with improved swallowing, however more research to document the efficacy of tongue exercise is needed.
Yes! Reduced lip strength and endurance can contribute to difficulty with eating, drinking, and speaking.
To measure and exercise lip strength and endurance, the user will place the air-filled bulb inside the corner of the mouth, between the cheek and the teeth. This placement will allow one to exercise the orbicularis oris, a group of muscles that surrounds the lips.
E2 Scientific's mission is to provide accessible and affordable treatment options for those with swallowing disorders. We know first-hand the devastating effects dysphagia can have on one's physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
People with dysphagia are facing enough challenges. Access to affordable treatment should not be one of them. We strongly believe that cost should not be a barrier to treatment.
At E2 Scientific, we have designed a high quality product by leveraging the power and affordability of Android phones/tablets with the hope that all those who could benefit have access to dysphagia treatment.
Some evidence shows that increasing maximum tongue strength using a tongue exercise program such as the Tongueometer is associated with improved swallowing, however more research to document the efficacy of tongue exercise is needed.
Tongueometer-specific Research:
- Mohsin, N., Guastella, R., Oppedisano, S. & Namasivayam-MacDonald, A.M. (2021). Determining the validity of the Tongueometer in comparison to the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument (IOPI). Poster presentation at the 2021 Dysphagia Research Society Annual Meeting. March 11, 2021. Virtual Conference.
Below are publications of studies examining tongue strength in healthy subjects as well as in populations with swallowing deficits.
- Smaoui, Sana, Amy Langridge, and Catriona M. Steele. "The Effect of Lingual Resistance Training Interventions on Adult Swallow Function: A Systematic Review." Dysphagia (2019): 1-17.
- Namasivayam AM, Steele CM, & Keller H. (2016). The effect of tongue strength on meal consumption in long term care. Clinical Nutrition, 35:1078-1083.
- VanRavenhorst-Bell HA, Mefferd AS, Coufal KL, Scudder R, & Patterson J. (2016). Tongue strength and endurance: Comparison in active and non-active young and older adults. International Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 19:1-10.
- Park T, & Kim Y. (2016). Effects of tongue pressing effortful swallow in older healthy individuals. Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 66:127-133.
- Steele CM, Bayley MT, Peladeau-Pigeon M, Nagy A, Namasivayam AM, Stokely SL, & Wolkin T. (2016). A Randomized Trial Comparing Two Tongue-Pressure Resistance Training Protocols for Post-Stroke Dysphagia. Dysphagia, 31:452-461.
- Rogus-Pulia NM, Larson C, Mittal BB, Pierce M, Zecker S, Kennelty K, Kind A, & Connor NP. (2016). Effects of Change in Tongue Pressure and Salivary Flow Rate on Swallow Efficiency Following Chemoradiation Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer. Dysphagia, 31:687-696.
- Oh JC. (2015). Effects of Tongue Strength Training and Detraining on Tongue Pressures in Healthy Adults. Dysphagia, 30:315-320.'
- Vanderwegen J, Guns C, Van Nuffelen G, Elen R, & DeBodt M. (2012). The Influence of Age, Sex, Bulb Position, Visual Feedback, and the Order of Testing on Maximum Anterior and Posterior Tongue Strength and Endurance in Healthy Belgian Adults. Dysphagia, 28:159-166.
- Robbins J, Kays SA, Gangnon RE, Hind JA, Hewitt AL, Gentry LR, & Taylor A.J. (2007). The effects of lingual exercise in stroke patients with dysphagia. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 88: 150-158.
- Robbins JM, Gangnon RE, Theis SM, Kays SA, Hewitt AL, & Hind JA. (2005). The effects of lingual exercise on swallowing in older adults. Journal of the American Geriatric Society, 53: 1483-1489.
- Lazarus C, Logemann JA, Huang CF, & Rademaker AW. (2003). Effects of two types of tongue strengthening exercises in young normals. Folia Phoniatrica et Logopaedica, 55: 199-205.
- Lazarus CL, Logemann JA, Pauloski BR, Rademaker AW, Larson CR, Mittal BB, & Pierce M. (2000). Swallowing and tongue function following treatment for oral and oropharyngeal cancer. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 43:1011-1023.
- Robbins J, Levine R, Wood J, Roecker EB, & Luschei E. (1995). Age effects on lingual pressure generation as a risk factor for dysphagia. Journal of Gerontology: MEDICAL SCIENCES. 50: M257-M262, 1995.