Speech and the cleft palate patient

Abstract

A review has been made of some of the considerations involved in the restoration of normal speech for the cleft palate patient. The characteristics of normal and cleft palate speech have been discussed, with particular emphasis placed on the importance of the velopharyngeal closure. The surgical and prosthetic procedures involved in cleft palate rehabilitation have been described and correlated with some of the recent research findings. The value of prosthetic speech aids has been stressed. Notice has been taken of the importance of speech therapists in all phases of the cleft palate program. Orthodontists have been urged to take an active interest in the speech development of their cleft palate patients. It was felt that the establishment of coordinated cleft palate clinics should be encouraged as a means of promoting better treatment for the cleft palate patient.