Can peripheral hearing justify the speech disorders in subject with operated cleft palate?

Abstract

Scientific studies report that cleft lip and palate is the most common congenital malformation in the human race. This population shows higher incidence of hearing loss, otologic complications, velopharyngeal dysfunction and compensatory articulation in speech when compared with subjects without cleft lip and palate, which are risk factors for the development of auditory processing, language, speech and learning. The aim of this study is to examine if the speech disorders in patients with operated cleft palate can be justified by the hearing. It will consist of a retrospective study with 50 records of patients of the Hospital for Rehabilitation of Craniofacial Anomalies, University of São Paulo (HRAC-USP), with operated left unilateral cleft lip and palate (Spina et al 1972). Otologic complications, hearing loss, velopharyngeal dysfunction and speech disorders will be examined. Subsequently, we will investigate if the speech disorders can be justified by the presence of hearing acuity. The awareness of these alterations in this population may improve diagnostic procedures and contribute to the prevention, therapy and establishment of appropriate conduct.