Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

After undergoing an adenoidectomy, a child exhibits severe hypernasality. What should the FIRST treatment option be?

1. Speech and voice therapy for better sound control and airflow

2. Exercises to strengthen the velopharyngeal musculature

3. Discuss the appropriateness of therapy with the physician

4. Auditory training to improve awareness of hypernasality

The correct answer is: Auditory training to improve awareness of hypernasality

The first treatment option of auditory training focuses on enhancing the child’s awareness of hypernasality and their speech patterns. This approach is critical following an adenoidectomy, which can alter the structure and function of the velopharyngeal area. By improving the child's auditory feedback, they can learn to recognize inappropriate resonance and work towards modifying their speech accordingly. Encouraging awareness is essential, as it serves as a foundation before implementing more targeted techniques like speech therapy or muscle-strengthening exercises. Addressing awareness through auditory training primes the child for active participation in subsequent therapeutic interventions aimed at modifying speech production. Understanding the problem is often a precursor to implementing more specific strategies aimed at muscle control or airflow regulation, which can be more effective once the child acknowledges the hypernasality issue.