Airway flow and audiologic ability evaluation after rapid maxillary expansion—Case report

Abstract 

The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of rapid maxillary expansion (R.E.M.) with Hass appliance on auditory and respiratory apparatus in an old oral breathing subject who manifested narrow maxilla and conductive hearing loss. Hearing levels were determined with pure-tone audiogram and airway flow with an espirometry device. Hearing and breathing were improved after active expansion in an oral breathing patient. Positive effects on auditory and respiratory system are possible additional benefits of R.M.E. treatment in growing patient.

Keywords: Rapid maxillary expansion, Mouth breathing, Air flow, Conductive hearing loss, Pure-tone audiogram