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Models for Predicting Velopharyngeal Competence Based on Speech and Resonance Errors and Velopharyngeal Area
Rafaeli Higa Scarmagnani1, Anette Lohmander2, Manoel Henrique Salgado3
1Laboratory of Physiology, Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of São Paulo, Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil.
Summary
Two new models accurately predict velopharyngeal competence (VPC) using speech assessments. These tools, based on auditory-perceptual evaluations, correlate strongly with objective measures, aiding in diagnosing velopharyngeal dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Speech-language pathology
- Craniofacial anomalies
- Aerodynamics
Background:
- Velopharyngeal competence (VPC) is crucial for speech intelligibility.
- Assessing VPC often involves subjective perceptual evaluations.
- Objective aerodynamic measures provide detailed orifice area data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop predictive tools for velopharyngeal competence (VPC) using auditory-perceptual speech assessments.
- To correlate perceptual speech variables with objective velopharyngeal orifice area measurements.
- To evaluate the clinical applicability of developed predictive models.
Main Methods:
- A methodological study involving 62 patients (aged 6-45) with repaired cleft palate.
- Aerodynamic evaluation (pressure-flow technique) and audiovisual speech recordings were performed.
- Speech samples were analyzed by experienced speech-language pathologists for resonance, visual, and speech variables.
Main Results:
- Strong correlations were found between VPC (based on orifice area estimates) and individual speech variables.
- Two statistical models demonstrated 88.7% accuracy in predicting VPC.
- High sensitivity and specificity were reported for both discriminant (92.3%, 97.2%) and exploratory (96.2%, 94.4%) models.
Conclusions:
- Two efficient predictor models, including a composite variable SOMA, were developed for VPC prediction.
- These models are based on perceptual ratings and correlate with aerodynamic orifice estimates.
- The developed tools can aid in the clinical diagnosis of velopharyngeal dysfunction.
