Pharyngometry

Acoustic pharyngometry is used for the assessment of the area of the oral and pharyngeal spaces down to the larynx. Use of sound echoes to measure the geometry of the oral and pharyngeal cavities. May be used for the non-invasive assessment of the upper airways, evaluation of patients with obstructive sleep apnea, and changes induced due to provocation.

Performing the test

1. You will sit in a chair and hold a wand with a mouthpiece on it.
2. You will place the mouthpiece in your mouth and do various breathing on the mouthpiece as instructed by the technologist.
3. Breathing through the mouth normally for 10 to 12 seconds
4. Breathing through the nose for 10 to 12 seconds.
5. Closing your glottis and exhaling.
6. Closing your glottis and inhaling.
7. A technologist will instruct you on how to perform the test and coach and encourage you to do your best.