Changes in vocal resonance and nasalization following adenoidectomy in normal children: preliminary findings

The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes that occur in certain aspects of vocal resonance and nasalization following adenoidectomy. Fourteen normal children were assessed prior to adenoidectomy and then at one month, three months, and six months following surgery. A unique combination of aerodynamic, acoustic, and perceptual measures were made. The aerodynamic component of the evaluation involved the use of posterior rhinomanometry to calculate nasal airway resistance (Rnaw) during relaxed nasal breathing. Acoustical measures consisted of "nasalance" scores (oral/nasal acoustic ratio) obtained during production of various speech stimuli. In addition, perceptual measures of change in vocal quality included listener judgments of severity and categorical ratings of nasality. Consistent patterns of change in vocal resonance and nasalization following adenoidectomy were identified. Clinical implications of these preliminary findings suggest that the maximum increase in nasality after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy occurs at about one month, and referral to a speech-language pathologist should be considered if the hypernasality persists beyond three months.