The Effects of Changes in Speaking Rate on Nasal Airflow and the Perception of Nasality

The effects of variation in speaking rate on relative nasal airflow (percent nasal flow) and on the perception of nasality were examined. In addition, the effects of gender and speech rate elicitation techniques (metronome-controlled, self-controlled) were examined. Nineteen normal speakers each produced a stimulus phrase containing nonnasal sounds. Oral and nasal airflows were measured using the Rothenberg aerodynamic system. Results indicated that percent nasal flow and perception of nasality were both greater at slow speaking rates compared to normal and fast rates. Males were perceived as more nasal than females. The metronome-controlled rates were associated with greater nasality than the self-controlled rates. Discussion focuses on physiological correlates to these findings.