[The influence of septal perforation on measurement by acoustic rhinometry]

The influence of septal perforation on results of acoustic rhinometry was studied using cases of septal perforation and a human-nose model. Acoustic rhinometry was conducted before and after closing the perforation (average 16 mm in diameter, 23 mm from the nostril) by thin cotton patches in 33 cases (19 men and 14 women). The decrease in cross-sectional area and volume after closure was statistically significant. A human-nose model with septal holes ranging from 5, 10, 15, to 20 mm and locations ranging from 20, 40, to 50 mm from the nostril was studied by acoustic rhinometry. Our results suggest that the effect of perforations on the measurement is much greater in anterior perforations than in posterior perforations.