Phonetic and otological results after early palate closure in 18 consecutive children presenting with cleft lip and palate

Abstract Objective: First, to analyze the speech and hearing results at 3.5 years of age when early palate closure has been performed. Second to assess at 7 years of age the need for speech therapy and/or additional surgery in the form of cranial-based pharyngeal flap for obtaining normal speech. Methods: Retrospective study in a tertiary teaching hospital concerning 18 consecutive cases presenting cleft lip and palate with no associated abnormalities. Interventions included early palatine closure (velum at 3 months, hard palate and lip at 6 months). Speech therapy was initiated at 3.5 years of age when needed. Cranial-based pharyngeal flap was performed when normal nasal emission was not obtained by speech therapy at 7 years of age. Phonetic and otological assessment were performed in all cases. Results: Good to excellent speech in the majority (95%) of children, with only 3/18 undergoing pharyngoplasty to obtain type I or I/II speech by the age of 7 (range: 6.5–8.0). 6/18 children had drain insertion, and 2/18 had hearing loss of 20–40 dB in all frequencies. Conclusion: Most children (95%) start school with good or excellent speech. However, the high incidence of middle ear problems shows that more effective screening and treatment are warranted.