CHANGES IN VOICE QUALITY OF THE CHILDREN WITH CLEFT PALATE/LIP IN RELATION TO CHILDREN WITHOUT ANOMALY

Abstract

Children with cleft palate/lip are exposed to risk for verbal communication disorders that include resonance, articulation, voice disorders, and expressive language. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the changes in the voice quality of the children with cleft palate in relation to children without anomaly. The study included 52 participants, 26 with previously corrected cleft palate / lip, and 26 respondents without anomaly who are between 3 and 6 years old. Subjective assessment of voice quality was performed by using the GRBAS scale. Perceptual scales are important in assessing the voice quality, determining the degree and severity of voice disturbance, and deciding on further clinical procedures. Although the instrumental approach to voice examination is relevant because it provides objectivity, the subjective impression in assessing voice quality is crucial. Statistical processing was performed by groups, group structure (gender and age), a certain highest value, as well as percentage participations. The results showed that 50% of the participants were diagnosed with certain changes in the voice. Children aged 3-5 years have a 2.25 times higher incidence of voice changes than children aged 6-8 years. The largest number of participants belong to group 0 - There is no change in voice quality which represents as much as 50% of the total number of patients in the first group. While „3 - Pronounced changes in the voice“ were not identified in the respondents aged 3-5 years. In 50% of the total number of participants there is no change in voice quality and these are located in girls aged 3-5 years