[Nasal speech with special reference to a submucous cleft palate].

Nasal speech, which is in many cases the first and only sign of many different diseases, is frequently misinterpreted by the otolaryngologist who examines the patient first. This is demonstrated by an analysis of 23 patients having a submucous cleft palate. A simple diagnostic procedure is suggested that enables the clinician to distinguish between different forms of nasality, its underlying causes and localisation.