What term describes nasality caused by a structural problem like a cleft palate?

The term that describes nasality resulting from a structural problem, such as a cleft palate, is velopharyngeal insufficiency. This condition occurs when the velopharyngeal mechanism is unable to adequately close the space between the nasal cavity and the oral cavity during speech. In the case of a cleft palate, the anatomical structures necessary for proper closure may be missing or malformed, leading to air escape into the nasal cavity, which in turn causes hypernasality in speech.

Understanding the distinction between related terms is important. Velopharyngeal incompetence typically refers to the functional aspect, where the velopharyngeal closures may not be effective due to muscle weakness or neurological issues rather than structural problems. Velopharyngeal inadequacy implies that there isn't sufficient closure but doesn't specify whether the cause is structural or functional. Velopharyngeal mislearning may involve compensatory practices that develop due to inadequate closure, but does not address the underlying structural issues present in conditions like a cleft palate. Thus, velopharyngeal insufficiency is the most accurate term for nasality specifically caused by a structural abnormality.