Application of nasopharyngoscopy and videofluoroscopy in the fabrication of a speech aid for soft palate defects.

Conventional methods of speech aid fabrication have little control over the pharyngeal extension or over the adequacy of the velopharyngeal closure. These limitations can be overcome by using a nasopharyngoscope, which provides the operator with direct vision during the molding of the pharyngeal section. Likewise, the use of a videofluoroscope also permits visualization of the prosthesis in relation to the surrounding structures during various activities, and is equally valuable in the evaluation of the velopharyngeal mechanism. In both instances, the evidence of inadequate closure could be seen as mucus bubbling or refluxing of barium from the junction of the prosthesis with the soft palate defect. Also the standard Mandarin phrases used in the speech test and the advantages of nasal endoscopy over oral endoscopy are discussed.