New smartphone-compatible device enhances voice screening access in South Africa
Researchers at the University of Pretoria have tested a low-cost, smartphone-compatible device aimed at improving access to voice screening in South Africa, particularly in areas where specialist equipment and clinical services remain limited.
The development is part of ongoing work within the university’s Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology to address gaps in early detection and diagnosis of voice disorders, which often go untreated until symptoms become severe.
Professor Jeannie van der Linde, head of the department, noted that access to specialist assessments is uneven, with many people failing to recognise early warning signs.
“Your voice is something you use every day, whether for work, social interaction, or simply being heard,” she said.
“Yet many people ignore early warning signs, and access to specialist assessment remains limited outside major cities.”
The research team explained how the device is designed to reduce both cost and accessibility barriers through a portable system that can be used in a wider range of healthcare settings than traditional diagnostic equipment.
“We aimed to develop a solution that is more portable, more affordable, and easier to integrate into different healthcare contexts,” said Dr Marie Du Toit, a lecturer in speech-language pathology.
“If problems are identified earlier, intervention can take place sooner.”
Voice disorders affect a significant portion of the population, with international estimates suggesting that up to one in five people may experience a voice-related condition during their lifetime.
Current diagnostic methods typically rely on laryngoscopy, a procedure that requires specialised equipment and trained clinicians.
Access to such services is often limited outside major urban centres, creating delays in diagnosis and treatment.
The University of Pretoria’s latest device uses smartphone-compatible integration with technology to capture high-resolution images and video of the vocal cords.
The project also forms part of broader efforts to advance low-cost medical innovation in South Africa’s healthcare system, with an emphasis on scalable technologies that can be integrated into primary care.
IOL
