Relationship between nasal cavity volume changes and nasalance.
OBJECTIVE
The patency and volume of the nasal cavity affect the acoustic characteristics of the voice. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a nasal decongestant on nasal volumes and nasalance scores, and to determine the relationship between these measures.


METHODS
Acoustic rhinometry and nasometry were performed in a group of 21 adult volunteers both prior to and following application of a nasal decongestant. The relationship between changes in nasalance scores and acoustic rhinometric parameters was investigated.


RESULTS
After the application of nasal decongestant, statistically significant increases were observed in nasalance scores and in all of the acoustic rhinometric parameters assessed (i.e. minimal cross-sectional area, three cross-sectional areas, three volumes and total volume). However, no significant correlation was found between the changes in nasalance scores and acoustic rhinometric parameters.


CONCLUSIONS
Nasal decongestion causes an increase in nasalance scores and nasal cavity volumes. However, the findings of this study indicate that changes in nasalance scores may result from factors other than nasal cavity volume changes.
Birkent
H
H
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Ankara, Turkey. hbirkent@yahoo.com
Erol
U
U
Ciyiltepe
M
M
Eadie
T L
TL
Durmaz
A
A
Tosun
F
F
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009296:Nasal Cavity / Q000502:physiology*; D014663:Nasal Decongestants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010109:Oxymetazoline / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D023842:Rhinometry, Acoustic / Q000379:methods; D014833:Voice Quality; D055815:Young Adult
D014663:Nasal Decongestants; D010109:Oxymetazoline