Why Does My Child Sound Nasal When Speaking? Understanding Hypernasal Speech and Soft Palate Problems Your child is chatting happily at home. You notice something unusual about their voice. It sounds as though they are speaking through their nose. At first, you assume they have a cold. But their nose seems clear. They are breathing comfortably. There is no obvious congestion. Yet the unusual nasal quality continues. Perhaps their teacher has also noticed that certain words are difficult to understand. You may hear air escaping through their nose when they pronounce particular sounds. Naturally, parents begin wondering: “Why does my child sound nasal when speaking?” “Could there be a problem with their nose or throat?” “Is this something they will grow out of?” “Will they need speech therapy or an operation?” There are several possible explanations. One is a condition called velopharyngeal dysfunction , or VPD. Understanding how the soft palate works can help parents recognise whe...
Why Does My Child's Nose Whistle When Breathing? Could There Be a Hole in the Nasal Septum? Your child is sitting quietly, reading or watching television. Suddenly, you notice a faint whistling sound. At first, you assume they are making the noise deliberately. But then you realise something unusual. The sound seems to come from their nose whenever they breathe. It may be more noticeable when they breathe deeply. Sometimes the nose also feels dry or crusty. Occasionally, your child may experience a small nosebleed. Naturally, parents begin wondering: “Why is my child's nose whistling?” “Could something be blocking their nose?” “Is there a hole inside the nose?” “Will they need an operation?” There are several possible explanations. One relatively uncommon cause is a perforated nasal septum . Understanding what this means can help parents recognise when a simple nasal examination may be useful. What is the nasal septum? The nasal septum is the wall separating the right and lef...