An instrument for the non-invasive objective assessment of velar function during speech

• Published in: Medical engineering & physics 1997, Vol.19 (1), p.7-14
• Main Authors: McLean, Calum Conner, Kelly, Stephen William, Graham Manley, Maxwell Christopher
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: anemometry; Biological and medical sciences; Biomedical Engineering - instrumentation; Ear and associated structures. Auditory pathways and centers. Hearing. Vocal organ. Phonation. Sound production. Echolocation; Electronics, Medical - instrumentation; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; instrumentation; Motor Neuron Disease - physiopathology; Palate, Soft - physiology; Pharynx - physiology; Software; speech; Speech Acoustics; Transducers; Velopharyngeal; Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs
• ISSN: 1350-4533; 1873-4030
• DOI: 10.1016/S1350-4533(96)00047-1

This paper describes the development of a non-invasive, computer-based, clinical instrument that infers velar function by way of the measurement of nasal and oral airflow. The design criteria of the instrument were based upon a wide ranging review of current practice and available techniques. The instrument measures and displays both nasal and oral airflow, along with the envelope of the speech sound waveform. This allows the clinician to determine whether airflow is associated with oral or nasal airflow and, hence, to infer the position of the velum. Preliminary clinical trials suggest that the instrument provides valuable objective information about the movement of the soft palate, particularly within the time domain. Hence, it is believed that the device provides additional information for the assessment of velar function, complementing those techniques currently employed.