Stroboscopy at Becker ENT & Allergy: Advanced Diagnosis Tool for The Voice

Stroboscopy is a specialized diagnostic procedure used to evaluate vocal fold function and detect abnormalities within the larynx. By utilizing a strobe light in conjunction with endoscopic techniques, stroboscopy provides a detailed, slow-motion-like view of the vocal cords in action. This enhanced visualization allows otolaryngologists and speech language pathologists to assess vocal fold vibration patterns, identify lesions, and diagnose various voice disorders with greater precision.

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At Becker ENT & Allergy, our team of experienced ENTs and speech language pathologists use stroboscopy to accurately diagnose and develop personalized treatment plans for patients experiencing voice-related concerns. Understanding the intricacies of this procedure can help patients feel more at ease and informed when seeking care for their vocal health.

What Is Stroboscopy?

Stroboscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic technique that combines a rapidly flashing light source with endoscopy to observe the vocal folds during phonation (voice production). The strobe light emits flashes at specific intervals, creating an optical illusion of slow-motion movement, which enables clinicians to examine the vibratory behavior of the vocal cords in detail, giving a more specific understanding of their physiology and possible pathology.

Why Is Stroboscopy Used?

Stroboscopy is utilized to assess various aspects of vocal fold function and to identify potential abnormalities. The procedure is particularly valuable for:

Diagnosing Voice Disorders

By providing a detailed view of the vocal folds, stroboscopy aids in identifying conditions such as nodules, polyps, cysts, and other lesions that may affect voice quality and may not be accurately viewed with endoscopy alone.

Evaluating Vocal Fold Mobility

The procedure allows clinicians to assess the movement of the vocal cords, which is essential in diagnosing vocal fold paralysis or paresis.

Assessing Vibratory Patterns

Stroboscopy helps in evaluating the symmetry, amplitude, and periodicity of vocal fold vibrations, providing insights into functional disorders or mucosal pathology that may not be visible through standard laryngoscopy.

Types of Stroboscopy

There are two primary methods of performing stroboscopy, each utilizing different types of endoscopes:

Flexible Stroboscopy

This method employs a flexible endoscope inserted through the nasal passage to reach the larynx. It allows for a comprehensive examination of the vocal folds during various speech and singing tasks, making it suitable for dynamic assessments.

Rigid Stroboscopy

In this approach, a rigid endoscope is introduced through the mouth to visualize the vocal cords. While it provides high-resolution images, it is typically limited to sustained vowel sounds due to the positioning of the scope. It can be used once a diagnosis is established and the clinician wants to check up on that specific pathology in the future.

Preparing for Stroboscopy

There is nothing special that needs to be done physically to prepare for a stroboscopy. You should come prepared to share your history of symptoms with your provider and any relevant medical information.

If you are sick the day of your appointment, it is best to reschedule so the stroboscopy results are not skewed.

Doctor discussing patient’s medical history during consultation to prepare for an accurate stroboscopy voice exam

How Is Stroboscopy Performed?

The stroboscopy procedure is typically conducted in an outpatient setting and involves the following steps:

A topical anesthetic may be sprayed into the nasal passages or throat to enhance patient comfort during the insertion of the endoscope.

Anesthesia Application

Depending on the chosen method (flexible or rigid), the endoscope is carefully introduced through the nose or mouth to visualize the larynx.

Endoscope Insertion

The patient is asked to perform specific vocal tasks, such as sustaining vowel sounds at different pitches to assess the vocal fold vibrations.

Vocalization

The clinician observes the vocal fold function in real-time and will record the exam to play back and explain to the patient

Observation and Recording

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

Patients undergoing stroboscopy may anticipate the following:

During the Procedure:

Mild Discomfort: Some individuals MAY experience slight discomfort or a gagging sensation during endoscope insertion, but the topical anesthetic helps alleviate these feelings, and some patients describe no discomfort at all.
Brief Duration: The procedure typically lasts between 1 to 2 minutes.

After the Procedure:

Temporary Numbness: The effects of the topical anesthetic may persist for a short period, causing temporary numbness in the throat or nasal passages.
Immediate Resumption of Activities: Most patients can return to their normal activities, including eating and drinking, shortly after the procedure.
Discussion of Findings: The clinician will review the results with the patient and discuss any necessary follow-up or treatment plans.

Female patient speaking with a voice specialist during a consultation, discussing diagnosis and care for voice issues

Why Choose a Voice Specialist?

Selecting an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) or speech language pathologist who is a voice specialist for stroboscopy ensures comprehensive evaluation and management of voice disorders. These specialists possess:

Expertise in Laryngeal Anatomy: Their in-depth understanding of the complex structures of the larynx allows for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Advanced Diagnostic Tools: Access to specialized equipment, such as stroboscopy, enables precise assessment of vocal function.

Multidisciplinary Approach: Collaboration to ensure a holistic approach to voice care.

The team at Becker ENT & Allergy offers comprehensive voice care with state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to ensure accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment.

Patient Testimonials and Reviews

Read more reviews or leave your own to help others find expert ENT care.

As a singer, I was devastated when I started experiencing hoarseness and vocal fatigue. Worried about my career, I research for an ENT doctor near Springfield, and I found help from Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy in Philadelphia. The talented team there diagnosed me with vocal cord nodules and provided a comprehensive treatment plan. With a combination of vocal therapy, voice rest, and proper vocal hygiene, my vocal cords healed remarkably well. The expertise and guidance of the doctors and therapists at Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy were invaluable in helping me regain my voice and pursue my passion once again.

5 stars

Philadelphia Locations and Contact Information

If you are experiencing persistent voice issues, hoarseness, or other vocal concerns, the experienced voice specialists at Becker ENT & Allergy can provide expert evaluation through stroboscopy. Becker ENT & Allergy offers stroboscopy services at our Philadelphia locations:

Walnut Street Office

1608 Walnut St Suite 902
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 929-8301

South Street Office

1740 South St Suite 401
Philadelphia, PA 19146
Phone: (215) 671-6330

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Frequently Asked Questions About Stroboscopy

Is stroboscopy painful?

Stroboscopy is generally not painful. Patients may experience mild discomfort or a slight gagging sensation, but most patients tolerate the procedure without problem. A topical anesthetic is often applied to numb the throat or nasal passages, making the procedure more comfortable.

How long does a stroboscopy procedure take?

The actually procedure typically lasts between 1 to 2 minutes. The entire appointment will be between 20-30 minutes which includes talking about your history and concerns, performing the exam, and going over the results.

Will I be able to speak normally after the procedure?

Yes, you can resume speaking immediately after the procedure. Some individuals may experience mild throat irritation or temporary numbness due to the anesthetic, but this usually resolves within a short period.

What conditions can be diagnosed with stroboscopy?

Stroboscopy is used to diagnose various voice and vocal fold disorders, including:

• Vocal nodules, polyps, and cysts
• Laryngitis and vocal fold swelling
• Vocal cord paralysis or paresis
•Reflux-related throat irritation (laryngopharyngeal reflux – LPR)
• Early-stage laryngeal cancer or precancerous lesions
• Neurological voice disorders, such as tremor or spasmodic dysphonia

Is stroboscopy covered by insurance?

In many cases, stroboscopy is covered by health insurance if it is deemed medically necessary for diagnosing or monitoring a voice disorder. However, coverage varies depending on the insurance provider. It is recommended to check with your insurance company or contact our office for assistance with billing and coverage questions.

How should I prepare for a stroboscopy appointment?

• There is nothing that needs to be physically done before a strobososcopy appointment
• You should come prepared to share your history and concerns with your provider, and any medical history
• If you are sick the day of your appointment, it is best to reschedule so the stroboscopy results are not skewed.

What is the difference between stroboscopy and regular laryngoscopy?

A laryngoscopy provides a basic visual examination of the vocal cords and larynx, but it does not capture detailed vibratory motion. Stroboscopy, on the other hand, uses a strobe light synchronized with vocal cord vibration to create a slow-motion effect, allowing for a more precise evaluation of vocal fold function and subtle abnormalities that cannot be seen on laryngosocopy. There is research that shows that a diagnosis can change as often as 50% of the time when a stroboscopy is used over a laryngoscopy alone.

Who should undergo a stroboscopy exam?

Stroboscopy is recommended for individuals who experience:

• Hoarseness or voice changes lasting more than two weeks
• Frequent vocal fatigue or strain
• A sensation of something stuck in the throat
• Difficulty speaking or reduced vocal projection
• A history of vocal fold injury or previous voice surgery

Can singers and professional voice users benefit from stroboscopy?

Absolutely. Stroboscopy is particularly beneficial for singers, actors, teachers, public speakers, and other voice professionals who rely on their voice for their career. The detailed imaging helps detect early-stage vocal fold issues that may impact voice quality, allowing for tailored voice therapy or medical intervention.

What happens after the procedure if an issue is found?

If stroboscopy identifies an abnormality, your voice specialist will discuss the findings and recommend a personalized treatment plan. This may include:

• Voice therapy with a speech-language pathologist
• Medication for inflammation or reflux management
• Lifestyle changes to improve vocal health
• Surgical intervention, if necessary, for vocal fold lesions or structural abnormalities