Role of visual feedback treatment for defective /s/ sounds in patients with cleft palate

The role of visual feedback in the treatment of defective /s/ sounds in patients with cleft palate is described. Six patients with cleft palate who were similar in age, velopharyngeal function, and type of misarticulation were selected for this study. Treatment was provided using either visual feedback or no visual feedback. Visual feedback for tongue placement was provided by the Rion Electropalatograph (EPG). Visual feedback for frication was provided by a multi-function speech training aid (MFSTA). Improvement in /s/ sound production was assessed objectively using a method described previously (Michi et al., 1986). The results indicated that visual feedback for tongue placement and frication was especially useful in the treatment of defective /s/ sounds in patients with cleft palate who exhibited abnormal posterior tongue posturing during the production of dental or alveolar sounds.