Nasometer II, Model 6400

Introduction

The Nasometer II is the newest hardware/software version of the acclaimed Nasometer which Kay Elemetrics introduced in 1986. Since that time, the Nasometer has become a standard clinical tool internationally for assessment and treatment of patients with nasality problems. The instrument’s success is based on its simplicity, non-invasiveness, easily interpretable data, and validity.

The Nasometer II

Nasometer II uses an innovative headset device, worn by the patient, which separates the oral and nasal cavities with a baffle plate. Microphones mounted on the top and bottom of the plate collect acoustic energy during speech. The instrument computes a ratio of the acoustic data acquired by the two microphones. This ratio is termed nasalance (the acoustic correlate of perceived nasality) and is displayed as a percent, with higher percentages representing increased nasalance. The Nasometer headset overcomes the disadvantages of invasive devices and hand-held masks which muffle the patient’s speech. The masks have the effect of severely degrading auditory feedback. With the Nasometer II headset, the auditory feedback is coupled with the instrument’s real-time visual feedback during therapy tasks. The headset is also easy to clean between patients. The real-time display of Nasometer II enables clients to monitor their velopharyngeal control during speech. The statistical analysis of collected data on standardized passages/phrases can be compared to published normative data. The quantitative data can be used to document patient performance before and after therapy, surgery, or prosthetic fitting.

The Nasometer II method for computing nasality has been shown to correlate well with other instrumental techniques (e.g., pressure/flow measurements and photodetection) as well as perceptual studies. Normative data have been computed in a large number of languages internationally. Speech pathologists, otolaryngologists, and plastic surgeons use the instrument to help objectify and supplement their diagnostic, follow-up testing, and treatment protocols. A bibliography of the extensive research, normative studies, and application of the Nasometer is available directly from KayPENTAX or can be found on the KayPENTAX Web site.

The SNAP test (MacKay/Kummer) provides simple picture
stimuli to aid in the assessment of preliterate children.

Applications

Cleft Palate
Motor Speech Disorders
Hearing Impaired
Palatal Prosthetic Fitting
Functional Nasality Problems

Nasometer II works in conjunction with a PC host (see requirements) and is supplied with external calibration/preamp hardware and a specific sound card for data acquisition. Customers must use the sound card supplied with the system to ensure performance consistency and reliability. Also, KayPENTAX does not recommend laptops for Nasometer II because of performance variability in laptop environments.

Games are provided which monitor nasalance and provide graphic
rewards to the client.

Features

Non-invasive, easy-to-use clinical tool
Innovative headset with clear advantages over hand-held masks and invasive techniques
Real-time visual feedback of nasality in client’s speech
Auditory playback of patient’s speech production
Quantitative data to document patient’s progress before therapy, surgery, or prosthetic fitting
Clear, intuitive displays for monitoring velopharyngeal control during speech
Games with animated graphics to reward good speech behavior
High correlation with other instrumental techniques
Standardized assessment passages for adults and simplified passages for children (SNAP Test)
Calibration system included

Computer Requirements

Nasometer II works in a Windows environment (e.g., Windows 2000 or Windows XP). The computer should have a Pentium II processor or higher with speed >400 MHz. One PCI slot is required for the system’s plug-in card. The computer’s video graphics card should include accelerators for high-speed graphic display. Finally, the computer should have sufficient hard disk space for storing client speech samples and reports (4 Gbytes or greater recommended).

Quantitative data can be compared to norms
for patient assessment; throughout therapy, these
measurements can be used to monitor patient progress.

Summary

Nasometer II is the latest hardware/software version of the established Nasometer, the most widely used system for assessment and treatment of nasality problems. Numerous articles in the professional literature reference the instrument’s broad applicability to patients with nasality problems. This newest version adds audio recording and playback, revamped software, and animated graphics to use with children in therapy. Nasometer II continues to rely on the proven Nasometer headset for data collection because of its dependability, simplicity, repeatability of measurements, built-in calibration procedure, and ease of disinfection.

For more information about Nasometer II or other KayPENTAX products, please contact us or your local representative (international customers).

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