The impact of pregnancy on nasal resonance

OBJECTIVES This study aims to investigate the possible impact of hormonal changes on nasal resonance during pregnancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between January 2013 and June 2013, a total of 101 pregnant women (mean age 27.1±5.8 years; range 18 to 41 years) visiting obstetric clinics for routine antenatal checkups were included in the study. The control group was consisted of 99 patients (mean age 29.2±6.6 years; range 18 to 42 years) without any nasal complaints. Nasal symptoms were assessed using the Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) Scale. Nasalance scores were calculated by nasometry. The results were compared between study and control groups. RESULTS The mean nasalance score in pregnant women (40.4±7.8) were statistically significantly lower than the control group (44.7±6.4) (p