An Acoustic Analysis of Cleft Palate Speech before and after Pharyngoplasty: A Case Report

Abstract

The purpose of the primary cleft palate surgery is to recover the anatomical structure, securefunctions such as speaking and swallowing, and induce the growth of the right maxillaryface. VPI(Velopharyngeal Inadequacy) may occur after the primary cleft palate surgery,and the purpose of the secondary surgery performed at this time is to improve VPI andthereby increase clarity and communication efficiency. Videofluoroscopic examinationand endoscopic nasopharynx examination can be performed to confirm the improvementof VPI after secondary surgery, and acoustic evaluation using a test device and perceptualexamination by speech and language pathologists(SLP) can be performed to evaluate speechsounds. Acoustic analysis using assessment instruments is useful because it can proveclinical diagnosis by experts, identify fine voice problems and their causes, and quantify theseverity of speech problems. Nevertheless, there are not many researches that can presentacoustic analysis for cleft palate speech and provide meaningful statistical data. Through thecase of an adult who improved velopharyngeal functions after secondary cleft palate surgery,this report can introduce specific examples of acoustic analysis of cleft palate speech andprovide the chances to review the usefulness and availability of acoustic analysis.