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Unilateral examination of olfactory threshold using the Jet Stream Olfactometer
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan. ikeda@orl.med.tohoku.ac.jp
Auris, Nasus, Larynx
|October 26, 1999
Summary
The Jet Stream Olfactometer reliably assesses unilateral smell, distinguishing between conductive and sensorineural olfactory loss in patients with sinus symptoms. This tool correlates well with CT scan findings of nasal cavity opacity.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Medical Devices
Background:
- The Jet Stream Olfactometer is a new device for measuring unilateral olfactory function.
- Assessing individual nasal cavity smell is crucial for diagnosing olfactory disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical utility of the Jet Stream Olfactometer.
- To compare olfactory acuity measurements with computed tomographic (CT) scan findings.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-three patients with sinus-related symptoms underwent olfactory testing using the Jet Stream Olfactometer.
- Unilateral olfactory acuity was assessed and compared with CT scans of the olfactory cleft anatomy.
Main Results:
- Thirteen patients had similar olfactory thresholds in both nostrils; seven had transport damage, and six had sensorineural damage.
- Ten patients showed differences in smell thresholds, with seven cases of conductive loss due to rhinosinusitis and three of sensorineural loss.
- Nasal cavity opacity on CT scans correlated with differences in smell detection thresholds.
Conclusions:
- The Jet Stream Olfactometer is a practical and dependable tool for evaluating unilateral smell.
- It aids in differentiating causes of olfactory dysfunction, including conductive and sensorineural loss.