Efficacy of an Arabic articulatory errors remediation software program in patients with velopharyngeal valve dysfunction: a quasi-experimental study

Abstract Background Velopharyngeal dysfunction causes abnormal speech due to altered nasal resonance during the production of oral speech sounds. The development of computer-based speech therapy has been growing to make use of computer technology in providing an organized effective source for speech therapy and feedback. The development of a remediation software program that is specific for patients with velopharyngeal dysfunction in the Arabic language and testing its efficacy on patients’ speech was the aim of this study. Results The study showed significant improvement in speech parameters after intervention with p value less than 0.05 for nasometer values and parameters of auditory perceptual assessment. The study proved a significant relation between nasometer values and auditory perceptual assessment. Conclusion The designed software program proved to be a good therapeutic tool in improving speech in patients with velopharyngeal dysfunction. The application of the program on a larger number of patients and in comparison with traditional methods of speech therapy and biofeedback is recommended. Trial registration The study was retrospectively registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT04392817