International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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A Widely Indexed Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Call for Paper Volume 8, Issue 3 (May-June 2026) Submit your research before last 3 days of June to publish your research paper in the issue of May-June.

Effects of Maxillary Expansion on Hearing and Voice Function: An Overview

Author(s) Mr. UDAY KIRAN REDDY, Ms. LAKSHMI PRIYA PERAM, Prof. Dr. SV KALA VANI, Prof. Dr. S Hemadri, Prof. Dr. NAGARAM HARSHITHA
Country India
Abstract Maxillary transverse deficiency is commonly associated with posterior crossbite, crowding, nasal obstruction, and altered craniofacial development. Rapid maxillary expansion (RME) and slow maxillary expansion (SME) are established orthodontic procedures used to correct transverse discrepancies. In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward the influence of maxillary expansion on hearing and voice because of the close anatomical and functional relationship between the maxilla, nasal cavity, nasopharynx, Eustachian tube, and vocal tract.

This review summarizes current evidence regarding the effects of maxillary expansion on auditory and vocal functions. Expansion of the maxilla increases nasal cavity width and improves nasopharyngeal dimensions, which may enhance Eustachian tube function and middle ear ventilation. Several studies have reported improvements in conductive hearing loss, tympanometric findings, and air-conduction thresholds in children with pre-existing middle ear disorders following RME. However, studies involving individuals without baseline auditory impairment often demonstrate minimal or no significant changes.

Maxillary expansion may also influence voice production and resonance by altering the dimensions of the oral and nasal cavities. Reported effects include temporary increases in nasalance and minor alterations in acoustic parameters such as formant frequencies. Most voice-related changes are transient and tend to normalize due to neuromuscular adaptation. Evidence regarding long-term vocal effects remains inconsistent.

Although existing literature suggests potential benefits of maxillary expansion on hearing and voice, limitations such as small sample sizes, methodological variability, and insufficient long-term data prevent definitive conclusions. A multidisciplinary approach involving orthodontists, otolaryngologists, and speech therapists is recommended when managing patients with associated auditory or speech concerns.
Keywords Maxillary transverse deficiency,Tympanometric findings, air-conduction threshold, nasal cavitie, maxillary expansion
Field Medical / Pharmacy
Published In Volume 8, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On 2026-05-23
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.78578

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