Theodoros, D. Murdoch, B.E., Stokes, P.D., & Chenery, H.J. (1993). Hypernasality in dysarthric speakers following severe closed head injury: A perceptual and instrumental analysis. Brain Injury, 7(1),59-69. Type of Study Research study with controls Subjects 17 males, 3 females; ages 18-53 gender-matched, age-matched controls Diagnoses Severe TBI, more than 3 months post-injury Normal controls Speech Condition Dysarthria Purpose To investigate the frequency and severity of hypernasality in dysarthric speakers with TBI using perceptual and instrumental techniques Methods Speech samples were rated by two judges on a 4-point hypernasality scale Instrumental assessment of velopharyngeal function using a nasal accelerometer Calculation of nasality index with the Horii Oral-Nasal Coupling (HONC) index Results Judges perceived hypernasality in 19/20 TBI subjects and 1 control subject According to HONC index-TBI subjects had significantly higher index of hypernasality Nasality indices did not show significant differences between TBI subjects and controls probably due to between-subject variability No significant correlation between perceptual judgments and the functioning of the velopharyngeal valve based on the nasality index Treatment Implications Important to assess and treat hypernasality in dysarthria patients with severe TBI Need to evaluate hypernasality both perceptually and instrumentally on an individual basis   Assessment Treatment Speech Characteristics Books and Book Chapters Instruments Other Links Search Home   To return to the Abstract References, click on Assessment , Treatment  , or Speech Characteristics or use your browser to go Back.