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New therapy for treating hypernasal speech using continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
1Department of Speech and Hearing Science, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|December 1, 1991
Summary
This study introduces a novel Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy for hypernasality. Preliminary findings suggest CPAP may effectively reduce hypernasality in individuals with mild to moderate speech concerns.
Area of Science:
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Medical Engineering
- Respiratory Therapy
Background:
- Hypernasality, characterized by excessive nasal resonance during speech, can significantly impact communication.
- Current therapeutic approaches for hypernasality may have limitations, necessitating innovative treatment strategies.
- The velopharyngeal mechanism's function is crucial for normal speech production, and its impairment leads to hypernasality.
Observation:
- A novel therapy utilizing a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) device was developed to address hypernasality.
- The CPAP device delivers air pressure via a nasal mask, providing resistance training for velopharyngeal muscles.
- Speech therapy involved producing syllables and sentences with the CPAP mask during an 8-week home-based program.
Findings:
- Preliminary results from six case studies indicate that CPAP therapy may be effective in reducing hypernasality.
- The therapy showed potential in individuals with mild to moderate hypernasality.
- Improvements were observed with incremental increases in CPAP pressure and therapy duration.
Implications:
- CPAP therapy presents a potential new, non-invasive treatment option for hypernasality.
- This approach could offer a home-based, patient-driven therapy solution.
- Further research is warranted to validate these preliminary findings and explore long-term efficacy.