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Nasalance scores may be affected by the vowel content of the speech stimulus. This should be taken into consideration on a clinical basis and for research purposes.

No difference was found in the relationship between nasalance and nasality when nasality was rated using EAI as opposed to DME procedures. Nasometer test sensitivity and specificity were similar for EAI- and DME-rated nasality. A linear model accounted for the greatest proportion of explained variance in EAI and DME ratings. Consequently, clinicians should be able to obtain valid and reliable estimates of nasality using EAI or DME.

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Purpose : This study investigated both the ability of children to rate nasality and the relationship of those ratings to expert ratings and social acceptance judgments. Method : A total of 10 speech samples were judged for nasality by 44 children ranging in age from 8 to 11 and by an expert judge. Listeners rated nasality on a 3-point response scale. The peer listeners also made five social acceptance ratings about each speaker. Results : Kappas for interrater reliability were moderate to substantial. There was no difference between peer ratings and expert ratings. As ratings of nasality increased, social acceptance ratings became more negative. Conclusion : Professionals who evaluate and treat children with cleft palate should consider the negative social consequences of even mild hypernasality.