E2 scientific tongueometer User manual
User Manual
E2 Scientific Corp
340 S. Lemon Ave. #8049
Walnut, CA 91789
Phone: (608) 709-8804
Email: info@e2scientific.com
Website: www.e2scientific.com
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© 2020 E2 Scientific Corp. Version 5.20.2020. All rights reserved.
Quick Start
To set up and begin using your Tongueometer, follow these steps.
1. Remove contents from
packaging.
2. Use scissors to cut off
the sealed end of the
tubing. Attach bulb to the
device.
3. Download & open the
“Tongueometer” app on
your phone or tablet.
**For Android Users: There are
two Tongueometer apps in the
Google Play Store**
4. Connect the
Tongueometer to your
phone or tablet via OTG
cable or Bluetooth®.
Begin Exercising
OR
OR
OTG
Tongueometer App
Bluetooth®
Tongueometer App
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© 2020 E2 Scientific Corp. Version 5.20.2020. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
Indications for Use .................................................................. 3
Safety Precautions .................................................................. 3
Caring for the Tongueometer.................................................. 4
Device Setup............................................................................ 4
User Guide ............................................................................... 6
Troubleshooting .................................................................... 12
Support .................................................................................. 12
Warranty ................................................................................ 12
Appendix A: Determining Appropriate Exercise Settings.... 13
Appendix B: User Quick Reference ...................................... 14
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© 2020 E2 Scientific Corp. Version 5.20.2020. All rights reserved.
Intended Use
The Tongueometer is a non-prescription medical device designed to measure and
increase tongue strength and endurance. The Tongueometer measures maximum
tongue strength and endurance, enables users to perform repetitive and isometric
exercise activities, and provides objective biofeedback via custom software installed on
a user’s mobile phone or tablet device. The device is safe for in-home use and in clinical
environments.
Indications for Use
The Tongueometer is a multi-user device designed to measure and exercise tongue
strength and endurance in patients with oral motor problems, including dysphagia and
dysarthria.
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
•
Do not use with children under the age of 3.
•
Do not place the Tongueometer bulb in the mouth of someone who is at
risk of having a seizure.
•
Do not use if you have past or present pain disorders involving the jaw or
mandible (e.g., TMJ disorder, myofascial pain disorder).
WARNINGS
•
Setup of the Tongueometer should be completed under the guidance of a
Speech-Language Pathologist (“SLP”) or similar medical professional.
•
The Tongueometer bulbs supplied by E2 Scientific Corp are not sterile and
are not intended for sterilization.
•
Only the Tongueometer bulbs supplied by E2 Scientific Corp should be
used with the Tongueometer. Do not use the Tongueometer bulbs with any
other device.
•
The Tongueometer bulbs are intended for individual use only. Please refer
to the manual for cleaning instructions between same-patient uses.
•
Keep the Tongueometer device and bulbs out of reach of children.
•
Discontinue use immediately if use results in mouth or throat pain and
contact your SLP or medical professional.
Safety Precautions
Please observe the following safety precautions when setting up and using your
Tongueometer device.
•
This device is only intended to measure and exercise tongue strength and
endurance.
•
While the device may be sold directly to patients with oral motor problems,
it is intended to be set up and used under the guidance of a medical
professional caring for patients with oral motor problems, such as an SLP.
•
To avoid measurement errors, carefully read and refer back to the user
manual when using the Tongueometer.
•
Do not use the device in or near water.
•
Discontinue use of the Tongueometer immediately if the bulb, device,
or other components are damaged.
•
Do not lift, carry, hang or pull the device by the external battery, cable,
bulb or bulb tube.
•
Discontinue use immediately if use results in pain in the mouth or throat
and contact your SLP or medical professional.
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© 2020 E2 Scientific Corp. Version 5.20.2020. All rights reserved.
Caring for the Tongueometer
To receive the maximum benefit from the Tongueometer device, please adhere to the following care
guidelines:
• When not using the Tongueometer device, store the device in a dry, cool location.
• Do not immerse the Tongueometer device or bulb in water. If the surface of the device comes
in contact with water, dry immediately with a cloth.
• To clean the hand-held unit of the Tongueometer device, wipe it gently with a moistened cloth
with a mild soap or disinfectant. Consult with and defer to your facility’s Infection Control
department to determine protocol for disinfecting device between multiple users.
• Assure that both your phone/tablet and the external battery has adequate charge (>50%)
before use with the Tongueometer for most accurate readings.
• Do not expose the Tongueometer to excessive force, humidity, temperature changes, shock,
dust, or strong electromagnetic fields. Changes to environmental conditions may damage or
destroy the device or cause malfunction.
• Do not open the Tongueometer device or tamper with the internal components. This could
result in injury and result in device damage, destruction, or malfunction. E2 Scientific Corp is
not responsible for any injury or damage caused by opening the device and tampering with the
internal components. Reverse engineering of the device is strictly prohibited.
• To dispose of the Tongueometer device and its components, follow local and national disposal
and recycling laws.
• The device is not intended for use on an airplane. If the Tongueometer is taken on a plane,
disconnect and reconnect bulb before use as the bulb may have depressurized and result in
inaccurate results.
Device Setup for Tongueometer
The Tongueometer consists of four components:
• handheld device
• air-filled bulb
• external battery (Bluetooth® Tongueometer) OR OTG (on-the-go) cable (Android-only Tongueometer)
• free, downloadable application for your tablet or smartphone
The Tongueometer application requires an Android or iOS smartphone or tablet that can download an app
from the Google Play Store or the App Store. Device setup only needs to be done once per device. You
may download the Tongueometer application on as many devices as desired.
1. Remove the Tongueometer components from the packaging and place on
a clean, flat surface.
2. Remove the air-filled bulb from the package. Snip the sealed end of the
tubing with clean scissors. Discard small bit of plastic tubing that was cut
off.
3. Thread the clear tubing extending from the air-filled bulb through the
circular unit at the top of the device and connect tightly onto the metal
prong.
a. Tip: if you experience difficulty threading
tubing through the top of the device, try
twisting the tubing as you thread it.
b. You can increase or decrease the length
of the tubing once it is attached to the top
of the device.
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© 2020 E2 Scientific Corp. Version 5.20.2020. All rights reserved.
4. Open the Google Play Store on your Android device or the App Store on your iOS device.
Search for the Tongueometer app. The app is free to download. Once you locate the app,
click “Install” or “Get.” You can download the application on as many devices as you’d like.
The icon will look like this:
CONNECTING YOUR DEVICE
A. Bluetooth® Tongueometer Model (for OTG model, see part B)
1. Connect the Tongueometer device to the external battery using a
standard USB cable with a mini-b connector. External batteries or
wall chargers must produce 5V of power. Battery should be
sufficiently charged in order for device to work properly.
Recommend charging battery between device use.
2. Once your Tongueometer device is connected to the external battery or wall charger, open
the Tongueometer application. The app should prompt you to connect your Tongueometer
device. When connecting for the first time, you may receive a pop-up requesting
permission to pair the Tongueometer device with your phone/tablet. Click “Pair.”
3. Disconnecting Your Device. Please note that when you are finished exercising, it is important to
disconnect your Tongueometer device in this order:
a. Click the Bluetooth® symbol in the upper right-hand corner.
b. Disconnect the Tongueometer device from the external battery.
4. Troubleshooting Connection
a. If you do not disconnect your device properly, you may experience difficulty with
reconnecting and may need to reset the Bluetooth® pairing.
b. To Reset the Bluetooth® Pairing:
i. Force close your Tongueometer app
ii. Disconnect external battery or wall charger from the Tongueometer device.
iii. Go into “Settings” -> “Bluetooth” -> “Tongueometer” and then select “Unpair
Device” (Android) or “Forget this Device” (iOS).
iv. Reconnect the external battery or wall charger.
v. Re-open the Tongueometer app and click “Connect Tongueometer.”
Bluetooth® Icon
OTG Icon
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© 2020 E2 Scientific Corp. Version 5.20.2020. All rights reserved.
B. OTG Tongueometer
1. Connect the Tongueometer device to your Android device using the OTG cable. Please note
that the OTG cable is specific to your Android device. When you purchased the
Tongueometer, you were prompted to provide the make/model of your Android device so that
you would receive the correct OTG cable. The OTG cable has a mini-USB connector on one
end and a mini-connector on the other. Insert the mini-USB connector into the bottom of the
hand-held unit and insert the mini-connector into the Android device. Assure your Android
device is fully charged prior to set-up.
2. Once the Tongueometer is attached to the Android device, the Tongueometer app should
automatically recognize the device. It will provide written prompts while it is connecting and
provide an alert when it is ready to use. To test if the app is ready for use, you can squeeze
the Tongueometer device bulb to move the needle in the app gauge. If it does not move, see
Troubleshooting below.
a. Note: each time you use the device, you
will see a pop-up box. You can either
select “Use by default for this USB device”
or click “OK” to connect. If you click
“Cancel,” the application will not recognize
that the device is attached and will not
work.
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© 2020 E2 Scientific Corp. Version 5.20.2020. All rights reserved.
User Guide
Bulb Placement: Once the bub is securely attached to the device, place the bulb in the mouth so that it
rests on the tongue just behind the front teeth. Your SLP can advise alternative placements of the bulb in
your mouth.
The circular unit at the top of the Tongueometer device is designed to be a lip guard to prevent the bulb from
slipping into the back of the mouth. Users can adjust the length of the tubing for optimal placement. Adjust
the length of the tubing so that the mouth guard is flush with your lips. Never bite down on the bulb or
tubing as this may impose a choking hazard to the user or result in damage, causing the device to
work inaccurately.
Bulb Care and Replacement: Gently clean the bulb with a damp cloth following each use and store in a
clean, dry area (See Caring for the Tongueometer section for more details). Bulbs are designed for use by a
single individual. If a bulb becomes damaged, discontinue use immediately and replace. It is recommended
that you replace the bulb every 8 weeks. Never submerge a bulb in liquid. To replace the bulb, gently pull on
the tubing connected to the top of the device until it detaches. Dispose of the used bulb in the trash. Then,
rethread a new bulb and tubing (see Setup above).
The Tongueometer application offers four modules:
1. Repetitive Strength: to exercise tongue strength
2. Isometric Endurance: to exercise tongue endurance
3. Maximum Strength: to assess maximum tongue strength
4. Maximum Endurance: to assess maximum tongue endurance
To access the modules, open the Tongueometer app from your phone or tablet. You may switch between
modules at any time by swiping left or right on the screen. The instructions for each module are on the
following pages.
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© 2020 E2 Scientific Corp. Version 5.20.2020. All rights reserved.
Repetitive Strength. This module records the number of times that a user achieves tongue pressure within
a desired range. Target ranges should be determined by your SLP. To perform the exercise:
1. Open the Repetitive Strength module within the Tongueometer application.
2. Adjust the target range by sliding the blue dots on the “Min-Max Bar” to set the desired
minimum and maximum pressure range.
o If you swipe to another module or close and reopen the application, the pressure range
on the Repetitive Strength module will not change.
o The application requires there to be at least a 5 kPa difference between the minimum
and maximum setting.
3. Place the bulb on your tongue and squeeze it against the roof of your mouth until the meter’s
needle moves into the desired range highlighted in blue.
4. Once the needle moves into the highlighted range, stop applying pressure to the bulb. The
bulb may remain in the mouth between repetitions.
o The needle must return to 0 before another repetition will be counted.
o The counter at the bottom of the screen keeps track of each successful repetition during
which the pressure applied to the bulb enters the highlighted range.
o The RESET button resets the counter to zero. The Data Report will store practice
information even if a user presses RESET.
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© 2020 E2 Scientific Corp. Version 5.20.2020. All rights reserved.
Isometric Endurance. This module records the number of times that a user maintains desired tongue
pressure for a set period of time. To perform the exercise:
1. Open the Isometric Endurance module within the Tongueometer application.
2. Adjust the target range by sliding the blue dots on the “Min-Max Bar” to set the desired
minimum and maximum pressure range.
o You will need to set the target range for this module, even if you have already set it for
the Repetitive Strength.
o If you swipe to another module or close and reopen the application, the pressure range
on the Isometric endurance module will not change.
o The application requires there to be at least a 5 kPa difference between the minimum
and maximum setting.
3. Set the target duration measured in seconds on the bottom left panel. This is the amount of
time you are challenged to hold the tongue pressure within the target range.
4. Place the bulb on your tongue and squeeze it against the roof of your mouth until the meter’s
needle moves into the target range and maintain that pressure. A counter displays a moving
'progress circle' and when the target seconds are met or exceeded, the module records a
successful repetition.
5. Once you successfully complete a repetition, stop applying pressure to the bulb.
o The counter at the bottom of the screen keeps track of each successful repetition during
which the pressure applied to the bulb remained in the highlighted range for the set
duration of time.
o If the target duration (seconds) is changed mid-session, the repetitions reset to 0.
o The RESET button resets the counter to zero. The Data Report will store practice
information even if a user presses RESET.
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© 2020 E2 Scientific Corp. Version 5.20.2020. All rights reserved.
Maximum Strength. This exercise measures the highest pressure achieved when applying pressure to the
bulb. To perform the exercise:
1. Open the Maximum Strength module.
2. Place the bulb on your tongue and squeeze it against the top of your mouth as hard as you
can.
3. The meter’s needle indicates the pressure reached.
4. The numerical reading at the bottom of the screen displays the maximum pressure reached.
o The reset button resets the counter to zero.
o The Data Report will store the maximum reading even if a user presses RESET.
Warning: never bite down on the tube or the bulb as
this may result in a choking hazard or cause the device to malfunction.
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© 2020 E2 Scientific Corp. Version 5.20.2020. All rights reserved.
Maximum Endurance. This exercise measures the highest pressure achieved when applying pressure to
the bulb. To perform the exercise:
1. Open the Maximum Endurance module.
2. Adjust the target range by sliding the blue dots on the “Min-Max Bar” to set the desired
minimum and maximum pressure range.
o You will need to set the target range for this module, even if you have already set it for
the Repetitive Strength and/or Isometric Endurance modules.
o If you swipe to another module or close and reopen the application, the pressure range
on the Maximum Endurance module will not change.
o The application requires there to be at least a 5 kPa difference between the minimum
and maximum setting.
3. Place the bulb on your tongue and squeeze it against the roof of your mouth until the meter’s
needle moves into the target range; maintain that pressure for as long as you can.
o The numerical display on the bottom right records the maximum length of time the
pressure was maintained in or above the minimum of the set range.
o If the pressure drops below the minimum target range, the stopwatch will stop.
o Changing the target range will not reset the stopwatch.
o The reset button resets the stopwatch to zero.
o The Data Report will store the maximum length of time even if a user presses RESET.
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© 2020 E2 Scientific Corp. Version 5.20.2020. All rights reserved.
Reports: The Tongueometer application has a built-in reporting feature that captures user data. Users can
track progress over the course of the day, week, month, and year. To review data, click on the data icon in
the top right corner (see below). Users can reset data at any time by scrolling to the bottom of the Reports
page and click “Reset.” Data cannot be restored once users have clicked “Reset.”
Sending Data: The Tongueometer application allows you to send collected data through the application. To
send data, users must have an email account set up on their smartphone or tablet. A user’s tablet or
smartphone must be connected to Wi-Fi or Data in order to send the Data Report. Data will never be sent
without the user’s explicit permission. Explicit permission is required for each transmission of data. To send
data:
o Open Data Report (see “Reports” above)
o Click the “Share” icon in the upper right-hand
corner
o Once you click the “Share” icon, a pop-up message will prompt you to provide explicit
permission to share your data, recognizing that it may include personal and potentially
identifiable information. If you want to proceed, click “SHARE MY REPORT.” If you do not want
to proceed, click “CANCEL.”
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© 2020 E2 Scientific Corp. Version 5.20.2020. All rights reserved.
o Once you click “SHARE MY REPORT,” a
screen will appear with a drafted email that
includes your Tongueometer Data Report.
Enter the email address to whom you wish
to send your data and click the “Send”
icon.
o The Data Report will be sent as a .csv file
Troubleshooting
Bluetooth® Connectivity: If you have difficulty connecting the Tongueometer to your phone or tablet, follow these
steps. For additional assistance, please visit the FAQ webpage at e2scientific.com for detailed tutorials. As
technology is continuously changing, we will continue to update the online manual to provide simple directions for
connecting your device.
1. Assure you have downloaded the correct app; particularly if using an Android device. The
first Tongueometer model required an OTG cable connecting the phone/tablet. This app icon
is black. The app icon for the Bluetooth® model is blue. If you are uncertain, contact E2
Scientific Corp at info@e2scientific.com.
2. For the Bluetooth® model, make sure that your phone/tablet has Bluetooth®
capabilities turned on. To check, go into your phone/tablet “Settings” -> “Bluetooth” ->
“On.”
3. Assure that your external battery device is sufficiently charged.
4. Assure that your iOS and/or Android operating systems are updated.
5. To Reset the Bluetooth® Pairing:
1. Force close your Tongueometer app
2. Disconnect external battery or wall charger from the Tongueometer device.
3. Go into “Settings” -> “Bluetooth” -> “Tongueometer” and then select “Unpair Device” (Android) or
“Forget this Device” (iOS).
4. Reconnect the external battery or wall charger.
5. Re-open the Tongueometer app and click “Connect Tongueometer”
Sleep Mode for OTG Model: Please note that if your Android enters “sleep mode” (where the screen turns
off or enters “power saving mode”), the application may no longer receive input from the Tongueometer
device. Solutions to this problem:
1. Unplug the Tongueometer device from the Android device. Then, plug it back in. You do not
need to exit the application.
2. Force stop the application. Then, reopen the application by pressing the application icon.
3. Modify your “Power Saving Mode” in your Android device settings so that the Android device
does not enter power saving mode as quickly.
Warranty & Return Policy
It is important to us that our products meet the highest standards. If Tongueometer device, bulbs, and/or
tablet is received in a damaged condition, or if it is found to be defective in any way, we will immediately
send a replacement upon return of damaged products. Please note: Due to the personal nature of this
product we cannot offer refunds for any reason. If you believe your Tongueometer arrived damaged or
becomes defective within the first year of purchase, please contact us as soon as possible. You can reach
us by sending an email explaining the nature of the problem to info@e2scientific.com. We will work to
troubleshoot the issue and provide detailed return instructions at that time.
All merchandise must be returned in its original condition, including the original packaging, manuals, and all
accessories. We are unable to accept returns if the packaging is not in its original condition. Be sure to send it in a
box that will protect the original package from being damaged by the shipping carrier.
Changes or modifications not approved by E2 Scientific Corp could void the user’s authority to operate the
Tongueometer. Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for Class B digital device,
pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
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© 2020 E2 Scientific Corp. Version 5.20.2020. All rights reserved.
Appendix A: Determining Appropriate Exercise Settings
It is advised that users work together with their SLP or medical professional to determine the
appropriate settings for exercising with the Tongueometer. E2 Scientific Corp does not
provide patient-specific advice.
It is advised that the SLP or medical professional perform an evaluation with the user to first
determine whether exercise with use of the Tongueometer is appropriate and beneficial. If the
Tongueometer is an appropriate treatment tool, the SLP can determine appropriate goals and
exercise settings, monitor progress over time, and adjust the exercise settings as appropriate.
Your SLP can help determine the appropriate effort level for each exercise. For example,
he/she may advise setting the Repetitive Strength exercise parameters between 60% - 80%
of the user’s maximum strength. He/she may advise setting the endurance parameter
(measured in seconds) be set at 50% of the user’s maximum endurance.
Example: John’s speech-language pathologist evaluated his tongue strength and endurance.
John’s results were as follows:
Maximum Tongue Strength: 14 kPa
Maximum Tongue Endurance: 10 seconds
John’s speech-language pathologist recommended he perform the Repetitive Strength
exercise at 60% - 80% of his maximum strength. She recommended John perform 10
repetitions, 3 times a day, every other day.
Repetitive Strength Settings:
Minimum Strength Setting: 8 kPa (14 kPa x 60% = 8)
Maximum Strength Setting: 11 kPa* (14 kPa x 80% = 11)
*Please note that the Tongueometer settings require at least a 5 kPa range between the
minimum and maximum settings. In this case, setting the maximum at 13 kPa would be
advised.
John’s speech-language pathologist recommended he perform the Isometric Endurance
exercise at 50% of his maximum endurance, measured in seconds, and use the same
pressure settings as the Repetitive Strength exercise. She recommended John perform 10
repetitions, 3 times a day, every other day.
Isometric Endurance Settings:
Minimum Strength Setting: 8 kPa
Maximum Strength Setting: 11 kPa*
Endurance Setting: 5 seconds (10 seconds x 50%)
*Please note that the Tongueometer settings require at least a 5 kPa range between the
minimum and maximum settings. In this case, setting the maximum at 13 kPa would be
advised.
John’s speech-language pathologist requested that he repeat the Maximum Strength and
Maximum Endurance assessment modules and send his Data Report to her every two weeks
to determine the need for adjustments to the exercise settings.
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© 2020 E2 Scientific Corp. Version 5.20.2020. All rights reserved.
Appendix B: Quick Reference
Exercise Setting Values* (kPa)
Determined by Maximum Strength (kPa) x Effort Level (%)
Max
Strength
(kPa)
Effort Level (%)
60%
65%
70%
75%
80%
10
6
7
7
8
8
12
7
8
8
9
10
14
8
9
10
11
11
16
10
10
11
12
13
18
11
12
13
14
14
20
12
13
14
15
16
22
13
14
15
17
18
24
14
16
17
18
19
26
16
17
18
20
21
28
17
18
20
21
22
30
18
20
21
23
24
32
19
21
22
24
26
34
20
22
24
26
27
36
22
23
25
27
29
38
23
25
27
29
30
40
24
26
28
30
32
*Please note that the Tongueometer settings require at least a 5 kPa
range between the minimum and maximum settings.
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