Acoustic Manometry

Acoustic manometry determines the cross sectional area of the nasal cavity as a function of distance into the nasal cavity. This provides a two dimensional picture of nasal cavity. These measurements help in objective assessment of nasal patency. Nasal patency is actually a complex issue which can involve mucosal, structural and psychological factors. It should always be borne in mind that the sensation of nasal obstruction is purely subjective and does not correlate `100%
always with clinical examination findings 3. This test has been intended as an objective quantification of nasal patency.

Rhinomanometry 8 is a measurement of pressure encountered by air passing through the nasal cavity 1. This procedure was first introduced by Hilberg 7 as an objective method in assessing the
nasal cavity. It uses the reflected sound signal to measure the cross sectional area of nasal cavity.

This is painless, non invasive, fairly rapid and easily tolerated even by children 6. The sound frequency used should be above 250 Hz. The equipment used for this purpose is odisoft rhino. It
has also been borne out in various studies that there are many objective test values where some patients will complain of nasal obstruction while others may not.

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