Nasal voice

Nasal voice is a term used in medicine and speech pathology to describe a type of voice disorder where the voice sounds excessively nasal. This can be due to various reasons, including congenital conditions, injury, or disease.

Causes

Nasal voice can be caused by a variety of factors. These include:

• Velopharyngeal insufficiency: This is a condition where the soft palate does not close properly against the back of the throat during speech, allowing air to escape through the nose and causing a nasal sound.
• Cleft palate: This is a congenital condition where the roof of the mouth is not fully formed, leading to a nasal voice.
• Nasal polyps: These are non-cancerous growths in the nose or sinuses that can block the nasal passages and affect the voice.
• Sinusitis: This is an inflammation of the sinuses that can cause a nasal voice.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a nasal voice typically involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. The doctor may also order imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI to look for any abnormalities in the nasal passages or throat. In some cases, a speech-language pathologist may be involved in the diagnosis and treatment process.

Treatment

Treatment for a nasal voice depends on the underlying cause. This may include:

• Surgery: For conditions like cleft palate or nasal polyps, surgery may be required to correct the problem.
• Speech therapy: This can help individuals learn to control the flow of air through their nose and mouth during speech.
• Medication: For conditions like sinusitis, medication may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.

See also

• Voice disorders
• Speech pathology
• Cleft palate
• Nasal polyps
• Sinusitis

Nasal voice Resources
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