Which compensatory strategy is used in voice disorders to mask hypernasality?

In the context of voice disorders, particularly regarding hypernasality, utilizing breathiness and low volume serves as an effective compensatory strategy. When someone experiences hypernasality, excessive air flow through the nasal cavity during speech can compromise the clarity and quality of their voice. By adopting a breathy voice and maintaining a lower volume, the speaker subtly alters the airflow dynamics. This strategy can help to mask the excessive nasality by creating a sound that is softer and less focused on the resonance qualities that highlight nasal passage contributions.

Conversely, increased pitch or a monotone voice may not effectively address the issue of hypernasality, as they might not sufficiently alter the resonance that is causing the nasality. Whispering can also lead to a reduction in vocal quality and may not provide clarity in communication, making it less advisable as a strategy for managing hypernasality. Thus, breathiness and low volume effectively allow for better control over the airflow and resonance, helping to mitigate the effects of hypernasality.