Resonance Concerns

• Hypernasality (too much sound through the nose)
• Hyponasality (too little sound through the nose)

Hypernasality is most common in children who have a cleft palate or repaired cleft palate but can have other causes as well. Hyponasality is most often caused by a narrow nasal passage or narrowing of the area connecting the nose and the mouth.

Evaluation

A typical evaluation of resonance or velopharyngeal function includes:

• Thorough review of the concern and any related medical or surgical factors
• Perceptual evaluation of speech sounds and resonance balance
• Measurement of nasal airflow and intraoral air pressure to determine velopharyngeal resistance (aerodynamic assessment)
• Measurement of resonance
• Trial therapy to indicate potential for improved resonance or nasal airflow characteristics
• Flexible fiberoptic nasopharyngoscopy and/or videoflouroscopy to view the soft palate and pharyngeal walls during speech