What condition occurs when the velopharyngeal mechanism cannot close completely due to deformities or weak muscle control?

Velopharyngeal incompetence is the condition characterized by the inability of the velopharyngeal mechanism to close fully during speech. This mechanism, consisting of the soft palate (velum) and the walls of the pharynx, plays a critical role in separating the nasal cavity from the oral cavity during phonation. When it does not function properly—either due to structural deformities, such as those caused by a cleft palate, or from weak muscle control—air escapes through the nose, resulting in speech that can sound hypernasal.

This condition can significantly affect speech intelligibility and the overall quality of voice. Understanding velopharyngeal incompetence is crucial for speech-language pathologists as they develop therapeutic interventions to help individuals improve their speech production.