What is the primary focus of resonance disorders?

Resonance disorders primarily concern the qualities of sound production, particularly how sound waves resonate in the vocal tract. This encompasses the characteristics of the voice, including its pitch, volume, and quality that are affected by the configuration of the vocal tract. When the structures involved in resonance, such as the soft palate, are not functioning properly, it can lead to a distorted sound quality, often characterized by hypernasality or hyponasality. This could be due to anatomical abnormalities, neuromuscular conditions, or other factors that impact the way sound resonates in the mouth and nasal cavities. Understanding these qualities is crucial for diagnosing and treating resonance disorders effectively, hence making it the primary focus in this area of speech disorders.