Hypernasal speech

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Hypernasal speech

Hypernasal speech, also known as hypernasality, is a type of resonance disorder characterized by excessive nasal resonance during the production of speech. This condition occurs when there is an abnormal amount of air flowing through the nasal cavity during speech, which can affect the clarity and quality of the spoken words.

Causes

Hypernasal speech can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI): A condition where the velopharyngeal sphincter fails to close properly during speech, allowing air to escape through the nose.
• Cleft palate: A congenital deformity that results in an opening in the roof of the mouth, which can lead to hypernasality.
• Adenoidectomy: Surgical removal of the adenoids can sometimes result in hypernasal speech if the velopharyngeal mechanism is affected.
• Neurological disorders: Conditions such as cerebral palsy or myasthenia gravis can impact the muscles involved in speech production, leading to hypernasality.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of hypernasal speech typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a speech-language pathologist (SLP). The assessment may include:

• Perceptual evaluation: Listening to the patient's speech to identify the presence and severity of hypernasality.
• Nasometry: An instrumental assessment that measures the amount of nasal and oral sound energy during speech.
• Videofluoroscopy: A radiographic technique used to visualize the movement of the velopharyngeal structures during speech.
• Nasopharyngoscopy: A procedure that involves inserting a small camera through the nose to observe the velopharyngeal mechanism.

Treatment

Treatment for hypernasal speech depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Speech therapy: Techniques and exercises designed to improve the function of the velopharyngeal mechanism and reduce hypernasality.
• Surgical intervention: Procedures such as pharyngeal flap surgery or sphincter pharyngoplasty may be performed to correct structural abnormalities.
• Prosthetic devices: In some cases, a speech bulb or palatal lift may be used to help achieve proper velopharyngeal closure.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with hypernasal speech varies depending on the cause and the effectiveness of the treatment. Early intervention and appropriate management can significantly improve speech quality and reduce hypernasality.

See also

• Hyponasal speech
• Speech disorder
• Resonance disorder
• Velopharyngeal dysfunction