Praxis SLP Licensure Exam

What type of resonance might a child demonstrate if they have insufficient resonance on nasal consonants?

1. Hypernasality

2. Hypo nasality

3. Oral cul de sac resonance

4. Nasal cul de sac resonance

The correct answer is: Hypo nasality

A child demonstrating insufficient resonance on nasal consonants would typically exhibit hypo nasality. This condition occurs when there is not enough nasal resonance, which can result from structural anomalies such as nasal obstructions, adenoidal hypertrophy, or other anatomical variations that impede airflow through the nasal passages. In hypo nasality, consonant sounds that typically require nasal resonance, like /m/, /n/, and /ŋ/, may sound overly muffled or "blocked," as the sound energy doesn't properly resonate in the nasal cavities. This affects the quality of speech and can lead to a noticeable change in how these sounds are perceived, making it difficult for listeners to understand the speech clearly. Overall, recognizing hypo nasality is important in speech-language pathology since it guides assessment and intervention strategies to promote healthier speech production in children.