Temporal Characteristics of Velopharyngeal Function in Children

Abstract Objective: This investigation was designed to examine the performance of children with normal speech on temporal aspects of aerodynamic tasks related to velopharyngeal closure. Design: The investigation was a descriptive evaluation of variability in aerodynamic features related to velopharyngeal function during multiple repetitions of the word “hamper.” Setting: Children without speech or velopharyngeal difficulties were seen in an experimental laboratory setting for the evaluation procedures. Participants: Twenty-seven subjects were recruited for the experiment. Three subjects were rejected because of behavioral difficulties, and the remaining 24 subjects were subdivided into 4 groups of 6 children (3 males and 3 females) aged 3, 6, 9, and 12 years. The children, who were from local schools and day care centers, volunteered to participate in the experiment. All of the children had age-appropriate speech, language, and hearing abilities, as determined by screening tests administered by one of the...