Evaluation and Treatment of Resonance Disorders

Resonance disorders can be caused by a variety of structural abnormalities in the resonating chambers for speech, or by velopharyngeal dysfunction. These abnormalities may result in hypernasality, hypoor denasality, or cul-de-sac resonance. Resonance disorders are commonly seen in patients with craniofacial anomalies, particularly a history of cleft palate. The appropriate evaluation of a resonance disorder includes a speech pathology evaluation, and may require a videofluoroscopic speech study or nasopharyngoscopy assessment. Treatment may include surgery or the use of prosthetic devices, and usually speech therapy. Given the complexity of these disorders in regard to evaluation and treatment, the patient is best served by an interdisciplinary craniofacial anomaly team.