To clarify the incidence of middle ear disease in patients with congenital velopharyngeal insufficiency (CVPI), we observed the shape of the velopharynx by a videofluorography and the movement of the lateral pharyngeal wall and soft palate with a flexible fxberscope. The findings of otoscopy, audiometry, and tympanometry were also recorded.
Otitis media with effusion was the most common findings. The shape of the velopharynx had no relation to the incidence of middle ear disease. On the other hand, middle ear diseases were uncommon in CVPI patients with a good mobility of the lateral pharyngeal wall and soft palate. It was thought that the mobility of the velopharyngeal muscles, such as a levator veli palatini, might have some effect on conditions in the middle ear.