Understanding Cleft Palate Speech
An overview of common speech issues related to cleft palate.
A cleft palate is a gap in the roof of the mouth that can affect how speech sounds are produced. Because the oral and nasal cavities are not properly separated, air can escape through the nose during speech, leading to what is called "nasal emission." This often results in speech that sounds hypernasal and can make certain sounds, especially consonants that require a buildup of air pressure (like 'p', 'b', 't', 'd', 'k', 'g'), difficult to produce clearly.
Common speech characteristics include nasal-sounding vowels, weak consonants, and the development of compensatory articulation patterns, where a child uses alternative sounds that are easier to produce. For instance, a child might substitute a glottal stop (a sound made in the throat) for a 'p' or 'b' sound. Treatment for cleft palate is a team effort, often involving surgeons, orthodontists, and speech-language pathologists (SLPs). The SLP's role is crucial; they work with the individual to manage airflow, teach correct placement for sounds, and reduce compensatory habits after surgical repair.