Relationship between nasal cavity volume changes and nasalance.

OBJECTIVES

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.