Examining The Oral Speech Mechanism

Although speech-language pathologists are expected to be able to administer and interpret oral examinations, there are currently no screening tests available that provide careful administration instructions and data for intra-examiner and inter-examiner reliability. The Oral Speech Mechanism Screening Examination (OSMSE) is designed primarily for use by clinical speech-language pathologists. The examination could also serve, however, as a useful tool for oral myofunctional therapists, as well as physical therapists, dentists, and orthodontists interested specifically in speech. It is reliable, relatively easy and quick to administer, and appropriate for children and adults in either diagnostic or therapy settings. The OSMSE is intended to assess those anatomical structures and physiological functions that are most often considered to be potentially related to speech or language disorders. Structural and/or functional judgments included are organized on the OSMSE test form under categories of: lips, tongue, jaw, teeth, hard palate, soft palate, pharynx, breathing, and diadochokinesis. Results of a preliminary study with normal speaking subjects indicated that the OSMSE had satisfactory intra- and inter-examiner reliability after minimal training. The time required to administer the examination typically ranged from 5 to 10 minutes. (Author/GK)