TY - JOUR AU - Ophir, Dov AB - Abstract Objective: To present illustrative cases showing various tonsillar influences on speech and to present a clinical method for patient evaluation establishing concepts of management and a rational therapeutic approach. Design: The cases were selected from a group of approximately 1000 patients referred to the clinic because of suspected palatal diseases. Complete velopharyngeal assessment was made, including otolaryngologic, speech, and hearing examinations, polysomnography, nasendoscopy, multiview videofluoroscopy, and cephalometry. Results: New observations further elucidate the intimate relation between the tonsils and the velopharyngeal valve. The potential influence of the tonsils on the velopharyngeal valve mechanism, in hindering or assisting speech, is described. Conclusions: In selected cases, the decision to perform tonsillectomy depends on its potential effect on speech. The combination of nasendoscopic and multiview videofluoroscopic studies of the mechanical properties of the tonsils during speech is required for patients who present with velopharyngeal insufficiency in whom tonsillar hypertrophy is found. These studies are also required in patients with palatal anomalies who are candidates for tonsillectomy.(Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1994;120:846-851) References 1. Shprintzen RJ, Sher AE, Croft CB. Hypernasal speech caused by tonsillar hypertrophy . Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol . 1987;14:45-56.Crossref 2. Wallner LJ, Hill BJ, Waldorp W, et al. Voice changes following adenotonsillectomy . Laryngoscope . 1968;78:1410-1418.Crossref 3. Yip ASG, Cleall JF. Cinefluorographic study of velopharyngeal function before and after removal of tonsils and adenoids . Angle Orthod . 1971;41:251-263. 4. Hennigsson G, Isberg A. Influence of tonsils on velopharyngeal movements in children with craniofacial anomalies and hypernasality . 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