Acoustic rhinometry: proposal for the standardization of the examination method [Rinometria acustica: una proposta di standardizzazione della metodica d'esame]

Acoustic Rhinometry is a rhinological test essential to evaluate nasal fossae geometry. The test requires that the patient be positioned so that a 120 degrees angle is formed between the nasal adapter and the floor of the nasal fossa. The use of a craniostat ensures that the patient is actually in this condition and that the position remains unvaried throughout subsequent tests. The purpose of the present study has been to evaluate the reproducibility and reliability of craniostat-aided acoustic rhinometry in routine clinical practice. A total of 33 patients with hypertrophy of the lower turbinates were enrolled in the study. Rhinometry was performed in the basal conditions and after decongestion with a vasoconstrictor spray. Statistical analysis was performed on the sampling and showed that acoustic rhinometry performed with the craniostat was more reproducible and more reliable than those readings taken without the aid of the craniostat.