Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

Cover Date:
December 2013
Print ISSN:
1470-8558
Vol:
14
Issue:
4

The use of a palatal support appliance in the management of hypernasal speech

Abstract A patient was referred from Speech and Language Therapy because of marked hypernasal speech. Following construction of a palatal appliance and measurement of nasal airflow a marked improvement in speech intelligibility was demonstrated. This case emphasises the importance of interdisciplinary work and value to quality of life from this intervention. Aim: To assess the effectiveness of a palatal support appliance in the management of hypernasal speech. Objectives: To provide numerical and qualitative account of an oral appliance on hypernasal speech and demonstrate the value of interdisciplinary work and the role of medical technology in management of speech therapy. Methodology: Case study involving a single patient for whom a palatal lift appliance was constructed. Evaluation was by quantitative and qualitative methodology. Nasal airflow was assessed by medical electronics technology. Results: Average increase in speech intelligibility over a period of four months from 27% (3 out of 10 words) to 49% (8 out of 10 words) was achieved by use of palatal lift appliance. Speech therapy, carers and patient assessment of qualitative intelligibility effect was very favourable. Conclusion: This case report has demonstrated the importance of interdisciplinary involvement in the care of people with disability. The construction of a simple oral appliance helped to have a significant benefit on the quality of life of this patient. The use of medical electronics technology provided an extremely valuable tool for assessment and the potential for further innovation in this field is clearly shown.

Key words: Hypernasal speech , oral appliance, evaluation

Doi: 10.4483/JDOH_29Manley05

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£
Page Start
153
Page End
157
Authors
M C G Manley, H V Johnson, P Sharpe

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