Velopharyngeal orifice size in normal females

Abstract

This paper describes a pressure-flow technique (Warren and Dubois, 1964, Warren, 1979) in estimating velopharyngeal orifice size during speech. The theoretical basis of this equipment, its clinical applications and results obtained with it are reported and discussed. Velopharyngeal orifice sizes are measured in ten female healthy Finnish students. The results are discussed with relation to their feasibility as reference values for measuring velopharyngeal orifice size in cleft palate patients.

Key Words:

• pressure-flow technique
• aerodynamic measures
• velopharyngeal orifice area