Embouchure assistive device

Project Overview

Bell’s Palsy, a condition affecting the 7th facial nerve, can cause hemifacial paralysis and weakness in facial muscles. During recovery, the facial nerve can regenerate forming new pathways causing voluntary and involuntary muscle contractions simultaneously. For a patient with this disorder, known as synkinesis, maintaining proper embouchure is problematic as the buccinator, platysma, and zygomaticus counter-contract. Therefore, an embouchure assistive device will be designed for a clarinetist afflicted with synkinesis to help maintain pressure on the mouthpiece of the clarinet which will reduce air leakage.