Nasometer II, Model 6400

Nasometer II, Model 6450

The Nasometer II 6450 is the newest hardware/software version of the acclaimed Nasometer which was introduced by Kay Elemetrics 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. With the 6450, we have added another great feature – portability.

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 quantitative data can be used to document patient performance before and after therapy, surgery, or prosthetic fitting.

Tested and Proven

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.

Portable

The new design which uses a built-in sound chip instead of requiring use of a specific audio card allows for use with laptops. A custom case is also optionally available for transportation of the Nasometer to the clinic across the street or across the world.

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 built-in sound chip for data acquisition.

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

Pentium IV ≥1GHz
Windows XP or Windows Vista operating system
Graphics card and monitor that supports screen resolution of 1600x1200 recommended
20 GB (or greater) hard disk
512 MB of RAM (minimum) for program operation
CD or DVD drive
Mouse and keyboard (optional for laptop)
On-board audio device (for audio playback)
Available USB port

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 portability and the ability use the Nasometer II with a laptop computer. 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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