In this study the speech of adolescents with unilateral cleft lip andpalate (UCLP) and delayed closure of the hard palate was evaluated.Evaluations were made with experienced speech-language pathologists(SLP:s) and lay listeners. The SLP evaluation consisted of typical cleft palatespeech variables and some of them were adapted for lay listeners. Attitudestowards the speech of the adolescents were investigated by asking laylisteners if the speech constituted any hindrance to vocational performance.The SLP:s mainly found nasal escape and velopharyngeal impairment (VPI),although to a small degree and extent. The lay listeners mainly foundresonance deviations and indistinct speech. The latter was associated withhindrance to vocational performance. In conclusion the adolescents had fewspeech deviations, according to the SLP:s. The lay listeners found greaterdeviations. They had difficulties in defining and distinguishing the speechdeviations. Still, lay listeners’ evaluations are considered to constitute avaluable complement to the speech evaluations of SLP:s, in bringing newaspects to what defines acceptable speech.
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