When speech disorders affect communication, specialized therapy can make a meaningful difference. At Decatur County Memorial Hospital (DCMH), rehabilitation specialists combine clinical expertise with advanced tools to help patients better understand how their bodies work and how progress happens.
One of those tools is the Butterfly iQ3, a handheld ultrasound device that connects to a compatible smartphone or tablet to provide real-time imaging during therapy sessions.
In speech-language therapy, the technology allows clinicians and patients to see tongue movement and placement inside the mouth, something that cannot be observed externally. Because many speech sounds depend on precise tongue positioning, the ability to visualize these movements can make instruction clearer and therapy more effective.
“The Butterfly iQ3 has been a helpful tool for teaching patients the anatomy and movement of the tongue during speech therapy,” said Olivia Wilmer, Speech-Language Pathologist at DCMH. “Many speech sounds depend on precise tongue placement that patients cannot usually see. This technology allows us to visualize those movements together, which helps patients clearly understand what adjustments are needed to form specific sounds, including challenging ones like the ‘R’ sound. Being able to see tongue positioning in real time makes it easier to identify what movements are working well and what changes will help them progress.”
For patients, the ability to see their own tongue movement in real time provides clarity that words alone cannot offer. What once relied on explanation and repetition can now be demonstrated visually, helping transform abstract instruction into visible progress.
This approach supports patients working toward goals related to articulation, apraxia, dysphagia, and dysarthria by strengthening understanding during therapy sessions and encouraging more active participation in the rehabilitation process.
“This gives us a level of precision we didn’t have before,” said Heather Riga, Speech-Language Pathologist at DCMH. “It helps us tailor our approach in a way that supports each patient more effectively.”
The technology was made possible through a Rehabilitation Department Grant funded by the Hospital Foundation of Decatur County, reflecting the community’s ongoing support for advancing local healthcare services.
“It’s meaningful to see community generosity directly support the specialized care provided at DCMH,” said Mandy Lohrum, Foundation Director. “Through department grants like this, the Foundation is able to invest in our clinical teams, enhance specialty services, and improve the experience for patients and families we serve.”
Advanced tools like the Butterfly iQ3 are one example of how DCMH specialists continue to expand therapeutic capabilities while keeping patient-centered care at the heart of every interaction.
Through collaboration, innovation, and community support, DCMH’s rehabilitation team is helping patients build confidence, improve communication, and make meaningful progress close to home.
To learn more about rehabilitation therapy and other specialty services available at Decatur County Memorial Hospital, visit dcmh.net/specialties
