Introduction Timing of cleft palate repair and the method of speech outcome measurement in children with cleft lip and palate are much debated topics. The associated problems and quality of life in these children depend on the timing of the surgery. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the velopharyngeal (VP) function and resonance parameters in children following early cleft palate repair. Method A total of 25 Kannada-speaking children with early repaired cleft palate were subjected to speech assessment and videofluoroscopic assessment. Perceptual speech parameters measured were severity of hypernasality and presence of nasal air emission. Videofluoroscopy was interpreted in terms of closure ratios to predict the severity of VP dysfunction. Results The analysis of videofluoroscopic images indicated that 48% of children had complete VP closure and 52% had perceptually normal resonance. A good correlation was found between the closure ratio and hypernasality. Conclusion Understanding the perceptual speech parameters and their structural correlates for outcome measurement will give better evidence for refining the existing treatment protocols. Data on a larger population are warranted for establishing predictors of optimum speech outcome.

Maternal involvement plays an important role in early language intervention for children with repaired cleft lip and palate (RCLP) and aids in the development of speech and language. Research to document the usefulness of the same is limited. The present study attempts to provide an insight on the changes in maternal linguistic output by involving mothers in a parent-implemented early intervention program for toddlers with RCLP. The different maternal measures such as the total number of words, utterances, different words, mean length of utterance were investigated before and after 20 sessions of speech and language therapy. Six toddlers with RCLP and their mothers served as participants for the program. The baseline was established by measuring the parameters mentioned above. Speech and language therapy was given for 20 sessions with mothers as active participants. Mothers were oriented and counseled for speech stimulation. The post-therapy measurement was done after 20 sessions to analyze the linguistic output of the mothers. A nonparametric test was carried out due to the small sample size. Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was administered which emphasized that factors such as the total number of words, utterances, and different words showed a statistically significant difference (p≤0.05) between the pretest and posttest measures. The results revealed that the quantity of linguistic stimulation provided to toddlers by the mothers had vastly improved. The results highlight the importance of involving mothers as active participants in the early intervention program. It also illustrates the improvement in the implementation of language stimulation with intensive counseling and training.

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1000 live births [5]. A more recent statistical survey shows that the incidence has risen to 7 per 1,000 children, and as a result, CLP is declared as one of the most common deformities seen among Indian children [6]. It is also reported that nearly 40,000 children are born in India every year with CLP [6].Over the last two decades, different studies have highlighted the associated problems seen in speech of children with CLP such as limited sound inventory, expressive language delay, limited vocabulary, reduced communication attempts, hypernasality, nasal air emission, reduced speech intelligibility and compensatory articulation [7,8]. These multiple associated problems need to be dealt by a team of experts from birth to the age of 18 years. Extensive research has documented that early language intervention is required soon after the surgery for children with CLP and it has been proven that such language intervention programs have been effective in facilitating both language and speech in such children [9].

Aim of the study: The present study was aimed at investigating the efficacy of an eclectic voice therapy program in the treatment of hyperfunctional voice disorders using single subject time series research design and systematic documentation. Objectives of the study:i. To assess the voice quality objectively in individuals with hyperfunctional voice disorders using the multiparametric measure dysphonia severity index (DSI) ii. To measure the change in vocal performance using eclectic voice therapy approach.