General Medical Information

Acoustic Rhinometry

Thomas V. Mccaffrey

Acoustic rhinometry is a method of noninvasive measurement of the cross-sectional area of regions of the nasal airway. The technique is based on analysis of a sound pulse reflected from the airway. The examination is rapid and noninvasive and requires minimal cooperation from the subject. The results are reproducible and highly accurate. A graph is produced of nasal cross-sectional area as a function of distance from the nostril. Unlike rhinomanometry, acoustic rhinometry does not require nasal airflow. The main advantage over rhinomanometry in evaluating the nasal airway is the ability to find narrow segments of the airway. Acoustic rhinometry, however, does not measure the effect of the narrow regions on airflow dynamics or airway resistance. It is a tool best used in conjunction with rhinomanometry for functional assessment of the airway.