Acoustic rhinometry in small children

To study how acoustic rhinometry succeeds in a sample of small children of one to six years of age and to evaluate reasons for failed recordings.

Twenty-six healthy children one to six years of age were invited to the Helsinki University Hospital, Department of Otorhinolaryngology for clinical examination and measurements with acoustic rhinometry.

Three children of ten refused recordings in the age group of one to two years. The children's nose adaptor was too small for three of seven children in the age group of three to four years. The anatomical nose adaptor and the adult nose tube were suitable for children between five to six years of age.

Acoustic rhinometry is well tolerated and usually well accepted in small children. The recordings succeeded in most children. However, lack of adequate equipment hinders measurements in part of the children.