What is it? A non-invasive, real-time, computer-software supported instrument that measures the acoustic energy of the nasal and oral cavity during speech tasks. Nasometry software collects and calculates the (nasal plus oral) data to determine a ratio converted to an average nasalance score.
Nasalance Score: N ÷ (N + O) x 100.)
Purpose: A tool to assess velopharyngeal function; including hyponasality, hypernasality, airway obstruction, and resonance disorders. Often used in cleft palate and craniofacial populations as a pre-op and post-op measure.
How to use:
First- calibrate:
1. Mount headset in calibration bracket.
2. Turn hardware on (power button).
3. Set gain to minimum position.
4. In software, click Options menu, then Calibrate Nasometer Headset. A message box will say “Calibrating Nasometer input audio.”
5. …show more content…
Press calibrate button on the hardware.
6. A message box will appear giving the calibration value. The value must be between 0.9 and 1.1. If value falls outside of range, reposition the entire hardware away from solid objects and calibrate again.
7. …show more content…
Click OK. Using the Nasometer:
1. Position headset on patient, with separator plate between nose and mouth, angled slightly upward toward ear.
2. Click Load in stimulus window and load the appropriate stimulus ( Zoo or Nasals).
3. Make sure data from previous client has been cleared in the data window (F2).
4. Click F12 to record the patient, space bar to stop recording.
5. Press ALT + S to get results (the percentage in the top left box).
Expected Nasalance Scores:
Zoo passage: 8-22