Acoustic rhinometry as a means to detect changes in velar position was
examined in this study, Videofluoroscopic recordings were made of two
normal speakers maintaining velopharyngeal open and velopharyngeal cl
osed (silent /f/) targets, Simultaneous acoustic rhinometric recording
s were made during the production of each stimulus, Determinations of
changes in velar positioning during the closed samples were made from
fluoroscopic recordings and compared to nasal cavity-nasopharynx chang
es detected by rhinometry, The excellent agreement between the measure
s from the two procedures (less than 1 cm) indicates that acoustic rhi
nometry is capable of detecting changes in velar positioning during ''
silent'' speech, Implications for assessment and future research are d
iscussed.