Office Examination of Palatopharyngeal Function

Abstract

A functional palatopharyngeal valve is es sential for the production of normal speech. Any malfunctioning of this valve, as indi cated by hypernasality, hyponasality, or im paired speech intelligibility, warrants careful examination and diagnosis. For a complete study of the palate and its associated tissues one needs a specialist, but simple procedures for identification of palatopharyngeal dysfunction can be car ried out by the physician in general practice. These procedures include evaluation of speech, visual examination of the palate and nasopharynx, digital palpation of the hard and soft palate, soft tissue x-ray films of the head, and the use of readily obtainable in struments such as a steel mirror, stethoscope, and spirometer. Patients who have inade quate palatopharyngeal function and abnor mal speech should be referred for special examination and treatment. This paper identifies some of the causes of palatopharyngeal dysfunction, describes the procedures which can be used in its detection, and suggests referral sources avail able for special consultation.