What are the main issues related to the cleft?
Aside from nutrition, the three key issues related to clefting of the lip/palate are: 1) Speech; 2) hearing and 3) facial growth. The development of normal speech requires an intact palate with normal muscle function in the soft palate. Without timely repair of the palate (i.e., by 18 months of age), normal speech cannot develop. In addition, an intact palate with normal muscle function is necessary for proper drainage of the middle ear. This is why almost all infants with cleft palate will develop ear infections and require ear tubes to help drain the ears. Finally, some infants with clefts will have deficient growth of the upper jaw that may require surgical correction. The timing of and type of surgery performed to repair the lip and palate can also affect facial growth. Cleft treatment protocols must take all these considerations into account and balance the important concerns of developing normal speech while allowing normal facial growth. Are there other problems that occur commo
