What is Resonance and How Does it Affect Speech?

Parents pay close attention to how their children communicate and are often the first ones to notice when something does not sound right. Often parents notice specific sounds that are unclear or that their child makes errors in their language, but what happens when neither of those things explain what is going on? Maybe their voice sounds “nasal” or like they always have a cold. If so, understanding resonance may help to pinpoint what is going on.

What Is Resonance?

Resonance is how sound vibrates and is shaped in our vocal tract. When we speak, sound moves from the voice box (larynx) and travels through different spaces in our throat, mouth, and nose. The way this sound is directed can make a voice sound normal, too nasal, or not nasal enough.

Hypernasality vs. Hyponasality

The two most common resonance disorders are hypernasality and hyponasality.

• Hypernasality: Too much sound is escaping through the nose.
• Hyponasality: Not enough sound is coming through the nose.

These differences can make it difficult for children to be understood or can make the tone of their voice sound “off” to listeners.

Why Do These Resonance Differences Happen?

Several factors can cause changes in resonance, including:

Structural Differences:

• Cleft palate or submucous cleft: The muscles in the back of the mouth may not close properly, allowing extra air to escape through the nose.
• Velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD): The soft palate (the back of the roof of the mouth) doesn’t move correctly to block air from going up the nose. This can occur with or without a cleft palate.
• Enlarged adenoids or nasal blockages: If a child has swollen adenoids or a chronic stuffy nose, it can prevent airflow, leading to a blocked or muffled sound.

Other Reasons:

• Some children have learned how to use their voices in a way that is hypernasal or hyponasal.
• Children with hearing loss may not hear the difference in resonance and have difficulty controlling it.

How Can Speech Therapy Help?

A speech-language pathologist (SLP) can help determine whether resonance changes are due to anatomy (structure) or behavior (how a child is using their voice). Based on the cause, therapy may include:

• Voice Therapy – Teaching children how to use their voices by adjusting airflow, oral placement, and muscle coordination. This can also include practicing oral vs. nasal airflow through specific speech exercises.
• Medical Referrals – If structural issues are suspected, an SLP may refer families to an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT) or a craniofacial specialist for further evaluation. In some cases, surgery or medical intervention may be necessary.

Next Steps

If you suspect differences in you or your child’s resonance or have other speech, language, or voice concerns, reach out to schedule an initial evaluation. A speech-language pathologist can provide more insight into you or your child’s speech and as well as additional resources.