The Use of the Nasometer and Interpretation of Nasalance Scores

Abstract

Purpose The acoustic characteristics of oral–nasal coupling (nasalization) have clinical implications for speech-language pathologists because excessive oral–nasal coupling results in a resonance disorder referred to as hypernasality . Nasometry is a tool that allows clinicians to measure the effect of oral–nasal coupling in the clinical setting. This clinical focus article summarizes the large volume of research on nasometry and clarifies its clinical application. Conclusion Although the precise relationship between the acoustics of oral–nasal coupling and the perception of hypernasality remains unclear, measuring the acoustic effects of oral–nasal coupling is useful in the evaluation and treatment of resonance disorders.