Laryngoscopy and Videostroboscopy for Voice Users

Do I need laryngoscopy? Is it painful? Why do I need laryngoscopy? What is videostroboscopy?

If you have voice problems and need to have your voice box checked by a specialist, read on and learn everything you need to know before you have a laryngoscopic examination.

I often get emails and messages saying:

“My voice is hoarse. What’s up with my vocal cords?” or “I feel a lump in my throat, is something stuck there?” or “My voice gets tired easily. Do I have vocal nodules?”

And my answer is the same for all of these questions: “I really don’t know. Visit a voice specialist who can look at your vocal folds and see what is going on inside your larynx.”  And that’s where laryngoscopy and videostroboscopy come in.

What Is Laryngoscopy?

Laryngoscopy is a visual examination of the larynx and airways. It is a procedure that uses a tool or device to look down your throat and see the laryngeal structures and possibly the vocal fold function.

Laryngoscopy helps uncover causes of:

• voice problems,
• breathing problems, or
• throat pain.

When should you have laryngoscopy?

If you have any voice complaint that lasts longer than 2 weeks, you should speak to your doctor and you should be evaluated with laryngoscopy. So, if you notice any changes in your voice without the presence of an acute infection, don’t delay and contact your doctor to schedule an appointment.

#1 Direct Laryngoscopy

This procedure takes place in an operating room during general anesthesia. It’s mainly used for surgery because the doctor is able to see the vocal folds under a microscope and work inside the larynx with absolute precision. The doctor can see the vocal folds directly without using a mirror or a fibreoptic device.

But don’t worry! Most people with voice problems don’t need to go through direct laryngoscopy!

If you are experiencing vocal strain, tension or even pain when speaking, and you are ready to work with me towards a free, strong and confident voice, you can apply to our Vocal Freedom System coaching program. Learn more about the program here.

#2 Indirect Laryngoscopy

Indirect laryngoscopy uses a device to see the larynx. The device can be either a mirror or an endoscope. Indirect laryngoscopy, which uses a mirror, is the first and most basic technique for viewing the larynx. This method will uncover growths in the larynx but will not give you much information about the function of the vocal folds. This exam is often performed by a general ENT doctor.

However, laryngeal endoscopy will give you a better picture of the structures and function of the larynx.

It uses a tube with a light and camera attached to it so that the doctor can view pictures of the larynx on a monitor and even record a video.

These procedures are:

• non-surgical,
• quick and
• reliable.

They may take somewhere from 5 to 10 minutes. They are painless, although they may cause a gag reflex in some people. During this exam, you sit in a chair in a doctor’s office. You may be asked to breathe, say /i/, change your pitch on the vowel /i/, talk or even sing.

Rigid transoral laryngoscopy uses an endoscope that is inserted into your mouth to the back of your throat. When combined with stroboscopy, it gives a very detailed and bright picture of the function of the vocal folds.

Flexible laryngoscopy is a procedure performed with a flexible endoscope that is inserted through the nose. Sometimes, the doctor will apply a topical anesthetic into your nose to make it more comfortable, and decongestant so that the nasal cavity widens as much as possible.

What Is Videostroboscopy?

It is state-of-the-art technology that allows us to see the vocal folds in slow motion. The vocal folds vibrate 150 to 200 times per seconds. This movement is so fast that it cannot be observed with the naked eye. However, if you use a strobe light, which flashes at a certain frequency, suddenly you can see them moving.

Laryngeal videostroboscopy should be performed if there is any suspicion of abnormalities in the vibratory function of the vocal folds. So, as you can see, laryngoscopy is a simple procedure that is completely safe and fairly quick.

It is almost impossible to diagnose a voice problem or start a successful voice therapy without laryngoscopy.

To learn more, watch this video (link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcmiLwxwc7Y )