A study of velopharyngeal closure in children with vocal nodules

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Bonnie Wagoner Amos (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Mariana Newton

Abstract: The etiology of vocal nodules has eluded speech pathologists and physicians alike. The literature reporting incidence and etiology has been inconclusive. Few studies have suggested a physiological disorder as the etiology of vocal nodules. However, McWilliams, Bluestone, and Musgrave (1969), in noting the high frequency of vocal nodules in a population of cleft palate children, have suggested that velopharyngeal inadequacy may be a cause of vocal nodules in these children. The possibility that non-cleft palate children with vocal nodules also have minimal velopharyngeal inadequacy was proposed. The method for data collection consisted of obtaining airflow measures on nine children with vocal nodules. These children ranged in age from eight to twelve years. In addition, an individual record was compiled on each child. This record contained information regarding the child's medical history, onset and development of hoarseness, variables affecting hoarseness, and history of vocal use. In addition, a space was provided on the record to note the occurrence of other speech disorders in the families of the subjects. The results of the study revealed that all nine subjects had adequate velopharyngeal closure as measured by the airflow procedure. Therefore the hypothesis that these non-cleft palate children with vocal nodules also have velopharyngeal inadequacy must be rejected. The individual record results supported the literature in suggesting that vocal abuse, particularly during a time when the vocal cords are inflamed, is related etiologically to vocal nodules. The results on two subjects supported the theory that tension may be related to vocal abuse.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 1972
Subjects
Velopharyngeal insufficiency.
Cleft palate children

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