Exercises for Improving Soft Palate and Eustachian Tube Function in Children With Ear Tubes With or Without Cleft Palate

Elevation of the soft palate (the soft part of the roof of the mouth) during swallowing helps the Eustachian tube to open and keep the ear healthy. (The Eustachian tube is the normal tube running from the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat). When the soft palate does not move enough (due to a history of cleft palate or for unknown reasons), this can lead to speech problems. Also, because the Eustachian tube is not opening enough, fluid can accumulate in the middle ear, which requires treatment with ear tubes. The goal of this research study is to determine if soft palate exercises will help improve the ability of the soft palate to close the area between the throat and nose, like it is supposed to during speech and swallowing, and if this improves Eustachian tube opening.