Rhinometry / Acoustic Rhinometry

As yet there is no simple reliable method for measuring and quantifying nasal breathing. Rhinometry means the measurement of nasal airflow and is carried out by using electronic techniques and computer analysis. Unfortunately studies have shown that nasal airflow does not correlate well with the patient’s perception of “obstruction”.

Acoustic rhinometry is a newer technique in which audible sound pulses are used to analyse the area within a cross section of the nose. It appears more promising, but is still not commonly used in clinical practice. At the current time therefore rhinometry has not attained the same diagnostic status as audiometric and vestibular assessment.