AN INSTRUMENT FOR THE NONINVASIVE OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF VELAR FUNCTION DURING SPEECH

This paper describes the development of a non-invasive, computer-based , clinical instrument that infers velar function by way of the measure ment of nasal and oral airflow. The design criteria of the instrument were based upon a wide ranging review of current practice and availabl e techniques. The instrument measures and displays both nasal and oral airflow, along with the envelope of the speech sound waveform. This a llows the clinician to determine whether airflow is associated with or al or nasal airflow and, hence, to infer the position of the velum. Pr eliminary clinical trials suggest that the instrument provides valuabl e objective information about the movement of the soft palate, particu larly within the time domain. Hence, It Is believed that the device pr ovides additional information for the assessment of velar function, co mplementing those techniques currently employed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Sci ence Ltd for IPEMB.