AGE AND VELOPHARYNGEAL FUNCTION DURING SPEECH PRODUCTION

This investigation was designed to determine if velopharyngeal functio n during speech production, as reflected in measures of nasal air flow , differs with age in adults. Eighty subjects were studied, 40 women a nd 40 men, representing four age groups (20-30, 40-50, 60-70, and 80years). Results showed no age-related differences in nasal air flow. S ex-related differences in flow were found on productions of nasal cons onants only. These findings do not support the suggestion of Hutchinso n, Robinson, and Nerbonne (1978) that velopharyngeal function deterior ates with age.