Abstract:
In previous chapters it has been noted that symptoms of velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) can be similar to the symptoms of mild-to-moderate hearing loss. We open this chapter with a case example of a child whose restricted phonetic inventory at age 2;2 was thought to be indicative of VPI but was found to be primarily attributable to her conductive hearing loss (CHL). We reflect on the process of differential diagnosis, being mindful of the fact that misdiagnosis of VPI could result in children undergoing unnecessary secondary surgery when management of hearing loss may be the most appropriate intervention.
