The Source of Nasal Rustle (Nasal Turbulence): An Overview of Current Evidence.

OBJECTIVE

(also called ) refers to a loud distracting sound that sometimes occurs with audible nasal emission (ANE) during the production of pressure-sensitive consonants in patients with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI). This article examines evidence for two hypotheses of causality: vibration of the soft palate () and periodic motion of mucus above the velopharyngeal port ().

CONCLUSION

A review of the relevant literature shows inconclusive evidence to support velar flutter as a cause of nasal rustle. In contrast, clinical observations and research involving high-speed nasopharyngoscopy suggest that nasal rustle is the result of turbulent mucus above a small velopharyngeal opening. Therefore, it is our contention that a plausible explanation for nasal rustle is one of turbulent mucus and not velar flutter.