Pressure-Flow Measurements for Selected Oral and Nasal Sound Segments Produced by Normal Adults

Abstract

Pressure-flow data are often used to provide information about the adequacy of velopharyngeal valving for speech. However, there is limited information available concerning simultaneous pressure-flow measurements for oral and nasal sound segments produced by normal speakers. This study provides normative pressure, flow, and velopharyngeal orifice area measurements for selected oral and nasal sound segments produced by 10 male and 10 female adult speakers. An aerodynamic categorization scheme of velopharyngeal function, including one typical category and three atypical categories (open, closed, and mixed) is proposed.