Resonance (Palatal Disorders)
Speech pathologists work as members of the cleft palate/craniofacial team at UICs Craniofacial Center. At the Center, they use traditional perceptual judgments of oral-nasal resonance balance as well as sophisticated instrumentation, such as nasopharyngoscopy, Nasometer, and pressure-flow assessment to determine whether there is a structural defect underlying the perception of hyper- and/or hyponasality. If a structural defect is found, instrumentation also allows for quantification of the consistency and magnitude of the defect. Once such a problem is diagnosed, speech pathologists work with other members of the team to determine optimal treatment, including surgery, prosthetic management, and/or speech therapy.