Speech Outcomes in Children with Cleft and Palate: Srinagarind Hospital, Khon Kaen University, Thailand
Ooppanasak N, BSc1, Makarabhirom K, PhD2, Chowchuen B, MD, MBA3, Prathanee B, PhD1
Affiliation : 1 Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand 2 Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand 3 Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : Speech defects in children with cleft lip and palate are common after cleft repair. Investigation of speech outcomes
provides useful information for further intervention planning and protocol reviewing.
Objective : The aim of the present study was to determine speech outcomes in children with CLP, compared to normal children
between 6 and 13.
Materials and Methods : This was a cross-sectional study. Fifteen children with cleft palate, with or without cleft lip (CLP) and 15
normal children between 6 and 13 were enrolled. Perceptual assessment via Thai Speech Parameters for Patients with Cleft Palate
in a Universal Reporting System for identification and classification speech outcomes was performed by two senior speech and
language pathologists by consensus. Descriptive analysis and Wilcoxon Sign Rank Test were used to present the data.
Results : The prevalence of speech abnormalities in primary school-aged children with CLP was high (viz., articulation errors
(100%), abnormalities of resonance (hypernasality: 44%), audible nasal emission/turbulence (44 to 60%), voice disorders (27%),
intelligibility (36%), less understandability (60%), deviation acceptability (87%). Children with CLP had more speech abnormalities
of both types and numbers than normal children (median difference = 9; 95% confident interval = 7, 10).
Conclusion : Speech abnormalities in primary school-aged children with CLP were common, including: CAD, hypernasality, voice
disorders, audible nasal emission/turbulence, less understandability, and deviation acceptability.
Keywords : Speech outcomes, Cleft lip and palate, Primary school, Speech abnormality
