Abstract
Nasometry is a method for evaluating the function of the velopharyngeal valve. This technique provides a measure of Nasalance, calculated from acoustic energy captured with a device (nasometer) that can separate the oral and nasal acoustic signals using a sound separation plate. We previously observed that the presence of nasal emission can dramatically increase nasalance magnitude. The unintended elevation of nasalance occurs because airflow from the nares impinges on the nasometer’s nasal microphone. We aim to quantify this effect using a customized nasometer in patients diagnosed with nasal emission. The customized nasometer has six microphones (three pairs) placed in a radial configuration on the top and bottom of the separation plate. Ideally, all microphones on the same side (i.e., top or bottom) should measure the same Nasalance value. A difference in the measurement of the nasal microphones would be attributed to flow interference. Preliminary results show that the airflow can artificially elevate the Nasalance magnitude by as much as 15 points depending on the produced syllable. These findings can help explain the common discrepancy observed in speech clinics between the Nasalance magnitude and the perceived severity of nasal emission.
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