Ahead of World Voice Day on 16 April, researchers at the University of Pretoria (UP) are inviting the public to take part in free voice checks using a new, locally developed device that could significantly expand access to vocal health services across South Africa.
The groundbreaking, low-cost, smartphone-compatible device, which is currently being tested as part of ongoing research, enables clinicians and trained users to take a close-up look at the voice user’s vocal cords by capturing high-resolution images and video using widely available mobile technology. Traditionally, this type of examination – known as laryngoscopy – requires expensive equipment and specialist doctors, making it difficult to access in many parts of South Africa.
“Your voice is something you use every day – whether for work, social interactions, or simply being heard. Yet many people ignore early warning signs of vocal problems,” says Professor Jeannie van der Linde, who is leading the research team and is Head of UP’s Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology in the Faculty of Humanities.
Voice disorders are more common than many people realise. Prof Van der Linde adds: “International estimates suggest that up to one in five people will experience a voice problem at some point in their lives, with higher risk for those who rely heavily on their voices for work, such as teachers, healthcare workers and call centre agents. Despite this, access to specialised diagnostic services remains limited, particularly outside major urban centres.”
The research and device are part of a broader effort to rethink how vocal health services are delivered in South Africa. “Our aim was to develop a solution that is more portable, more affordable and easier to integrate into different healthcare contexts,” says Dr Maria du Toit, a Lecturer in Speech-Language Pathology and member of the research team.
“Many people ignore early signs like hoarseness or vocal fatigue, often because they don’t have easy access to assessment services,” Dr Du Toit says. “If we can identify these issues earlier, we can intervene sooner and potentially prevent more significant problems from developing.
The development of the device forms part of ongoing efforts within the department to explore how mobile anddigital technologies can be used to increase the availability of vocal health assessment and care.
Dr Roxanne Malan, a postdoctoral fellow, speech therapist and research team member, highlights the importance of designing technology that balances functionality with affordability and ease of use. “We wanted to ensure that the device is not only clinically useful but also practical in a range of settings, including those withlimited resources,” she says. “The goal is to make vocal health screening more widely available without compromising on quality.”
The technology, which has not been named yet, is being developed at UP and is currently undergoing testing to compare its performance with gold-standard laryngoscopy. “We started feasibility testing in June 2025 and preliminary tests have been very positive, demonstrating that the device is usable and produces high-quality images of the relevant structures,” Dr Malan says. “It consists of a low-cost, off-the-shelf borescope – typically used industrially – adapted with a 3D-printed handle to ensure optimal placement of the scope in the patient’s mouth, as well as the correct angle for visualisation. We have also assessed its safety for human use and its ability to be properly disinfected.”
In addition to testing the device, the World Voice Day initiative seeks to increase general awareness about theimportance of vocal health. “Your voice is central to how you communicate, work and engage with others,” Dr DuToit says. “Taking care of it should be seen as an essential part of overall health, not something to think aboutonly when there is a problem.”
Dr Malan says the team’s vision is for the scope to be readily available as a screening device in public hospitalsand clinics all over South Africa and other low- and middle-income countries. “But we still foresee numerousphases of testing to ensure that it can be used by a range of healthcare professionals, and that it makes asignificant difference in the target healthcare sectors. We will name and launch it at a stage when this has beendone.”
Dr Du Toit says members of the public can support the research by booking their free voice health check. “Byattending, you’re not only taking care of your own vocal health – you’re helping researchers develop solutionsthat could make voice care more easily available to thousands of people who currently don’t have access tothese services.”
Event details: Members of the public are invited to take part in free voice checks on World Voice Day, 16 April 2026, at the Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at the University of Pretoria’s Hatfield Campus.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about their vocal health and contribute to research that aims to make voice care more accessible across South Africa.
Who should consider a voice check?
This free check is especially recommended for:
● Teachers and lecturers
● Singers and performers
● Healthcare workers
● Clergy and public speakers
● Call centre workers
● Anyone who uses their voice extensively
You should also consider attending if you:
● frequently experience hoarseness or voice changes;
● feel your voice tires easily;
● have ongoing throat discomfort when speaking; and/or
● simply want reassurance that your voice is healthy.
To register, visit: https://forms.gle/imqeHnpGveQaEuDD6
