Treat Hypernasality
Hypernasality is a speech disorder that is especially common in children. It can occur following cleft palate surgery, be associated with some craniofacial conditions or be related to a neurological disorder. Whatever the cause, a variety of treatments are available. Here are some suggestions for treating hypernasality.
Instructions
1. Understand hypernasality and its effects on a person's speech. In cases of hypernasality, the tissues of the palate and pharynx don't close right, causing air to leak from the nose when someone is talking. Speech can become unintelligible and communication can become impaired.
2. Consult with your physician about the condition and the most effective way to treat hypernasality. Ask your doctor to outline the advantages and disadvantages of each type of treatment.
3. Consider surgery to reduce the amount of air leakage from the nose. Treating hypernasality this way will result in a more normal sounding speech. Occasionally, several procedures may be required to rectify the problem.
4. Ask your doctor about the benefits of speech therapy for treating hypernasality. In some cases hypernasality can be linked to articulation problems and working with a therapist may improve this area of speech.
5. Examine the possibility of dental prostheses. Designed by a speech prosthodontist, these removable devices close the gap in the back of the throat to prevent any excessive air leakage from your nose when talking.
6. Research the new therapy known as "Continuous Positive Airway Pressure" (CPAP). With CPAP, a face mask is firmly sealed around the nose to keep the air passages open. Words and letters are pronounced in a specified order while wearing the mask. This forces the soft palate's muscles to work against the resistance of the air pressure that keeps the air passages open.
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