Hypernasality

Detailed Explanation:

Hypernasality is an excessive nasal resonance during speech, occurring when the velopharyngeal mechanism does not adequately close the gap between the oral and nasal cavities during non-nasal sounds. It commonly results from structural issues (such as cleft palate), neurologic dysfunction, or velopharyngeal insufficiency. Assessment determines whether therapy, prosthetic management, or surgical intervention is indicated.

Examples of Hypernasality:

• A child with an unrepaired cleft palate produces vowels that sound excessively nasal.

• An adult develops hypernasality after head and neck surgery affecting velopharyngeal closure.

• A patient works with a speech therapist on perceptual training and oral resonance exercises as part of management.

Related Terms:

• Velopharyngeal Insufficiency

• Nasal Resonance

• Resonance Disorders

• Speech Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions About Hypernasality:

1. What causes hypernasality?
   Structural differences (cleft palate), neurological problems, or poor velopharyngeal closure can all cause hypernasality.

2. How is it treated?
   Treatment may include speech therapy, prosthetic devices (like an obturator), or surgery depending on cause and severity.

3. Can therapy alone fix hypernasality?
   Mild cases sometimes improve with therapy, but many structural causes require surgical or prosthetic intervention for full correction.

4. How is hypernasality evaluated?
   Through perceptual assessment, nasal airflow measurement, and instrumental exams like nasoendoscopy or videofluoroscopy.

5. Will hypernasality affect intelligibility?
   Yes, excessive nasal resonance can reduce clarity and make speech harder to understand, especially on vowels.