Photodetector Assessment of Velopharyngeal Activity

Abstract

Five normal speakers were used to test a novel photodetector appa— ratus for obtaining continuous and instantaneous recordings of velo-pharyngeal area during speech. The results indicate that this inexpen— sive instrument is able to " track " changes in velopharyngeal port size. A high correlation was found between photodetector output and velo— pharyngeal port size, as determined using pressure-flow measurements. Its potential use in conjunction with nasopharyngoscopic assessment and in biofeedback training is discussed.