The Roles of Otolaryngologists and Speech-Language Pathologists in the Performance and Interpretation of Strobovideolaryngoscopy

American Academy of Otolaryngology Voice and Swallow Committee and ASHA Special Interest Division on Voice and Voice Disorders

Strobovideolaryngoscopy (including rigid and flexible endoscopy) is a laryngeal imaging procedure that may be used by otolaryngologists and other voice professionals as a diagnostic procedure. Physicians are the only professionals qualified and licensed to render medical diagnoses related to the identification of laryngeal pathology as it affects voice. Consequently, when used for medical diagnostic purposes, strobovideolaryngoscopy examinations should be viewed and interpreted by an otolaryngologist with training in this procedure. Speech-language pathologists with expertise in voice disorders and with specialized training in strobovideolaryngoscopy are professionals qualified to use this procedure for the purpose of assessing voice production and vocal function. Within interdisciplinary settings, these diagnostic and vocal function assessment procedures may be accomplished through the combined efforts of these related professionals. Strobovideolaryngoscopy may also be used as a therapeutic aid and biofeedback tool during the conduct of voice treatment. Care should be taken to use this examination only in settings that assure patient safety.

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