Acoustic Pharyngometer
The Acoustic Pharyngometer (sometimes called a Rhinometer) is a non-invasive diagnostic instrument used to measure the airway. It works by reflecting acoustic waves off of the pharyngeal airway. Precise and reproducible results are displayed in the form of an airway cross-sectional graph that shows air volume at various distances into the airway.
This allows for accurate assessment of the airway problem and helps determine if an oral appliance is the appropriate treatment choice. If an oral appliance is decided upon as the best course of treatment, the pharyngometry data allow the appliance to be designed for maximum airway opening and maximum effectiveness. Without the use of three-dimensional Pharyngometry, a practitioner can only approximate fittings of an oral appliance, and repeated fittings must be attempted.
How is Pharyngometry done?
Pharyngometry is non-invasive and only takes a few minutes. The patient sits upright and places the Pharyngometer in their mouth. The fit is similar to a SCUBA mouthpiece - the device fits between the teeth. The practitioner has the patient move their jaw backward and forward, while sound waves measure the airway volume in real-time. This allows the practitioner to locate the most unstable and narrowest portions of the airway.
If an oral appliance is to be used for treatment, the Pharyngometer is then used in the same manner to measure the best jaw position for maintaining an open and stable airway. Thus, precise fitting of the oral appliance can be made.
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