Some fundamental studies on clinical measurement conditions in acoustic rhinometry

Acoustic rhinometry is a new method to measure the patency of the nasal airway. In this study the clinical measuring conditions were systematically evaluated. The test-retest validity was analysed by repeated measurements in ordinary, not specially trained patients and was found to be at the level of approximately 15%. The need for acclimatization before measurements was tested by making a series of measurements on two separate occasions: one after a rest period following the patient's arrival at the nose laboratory, and a second in another session where no rest was allowed for. Statistically, no significant differences between the repeated measurements in the two occasions were found. However, there was a tendency towards smaller nasal volumes in the measures of the repeated recordings made without an acclimatization period. Therefore, it seems to be advisable to have an acclimatization period before acoustic rhinometry measurements.