Differences in Lingual Vibrotactile Thresholds of Sensitivity Using Adjusted Vs Fixed Methods of Vibrator Probe-Contactor Alignment

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare lingual vibrotactile thresholds of sensitivity obtained using individual subject adjustments of vibrator probecontactor to lingual surface, with thresholds obtained using a fixed vibrator probe-contactor position across 30 subjects ranging in age from 18 to 26 yr. ( M age = 20 yr.). Analysis showed minor (less than 5 dB SPL) differences in lingual vibrotactile thresholds of sensitivity between the two methods of vibrator probe-contactor alignment. For research purposes, the vibrator probe-contactor assembly should be adjusted to each individual's lingual surface, but for clinical-behavioral purposes, it might be sensible to use a fixed vibrator probe-contactor position across subjects, especially when performing research on young children, older adults, and the communicatively handicapped.