KIERAN M. CONNOLLY, MD GREGORY N. POSTMA, MD

WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA

Sensation within the larynx can now be determined by a technique in which puffs of air are delivered through a specialized fiberoptic laryngoscope. Aviv first described the technique in 1997, and its use is becoming more widespread. The cost of the equipment involved in this technique, however, can be prohibitive. Here we outline a method in which selected equipment for evaluation of laryngeal sensation is combined with existing videolaryngoscopic equipment, at considerable cost savings over a separate complete system. In addition, the combination of the Pentax laryngeal surgery sensory testing equipment and the Kay videorhinolaryngeal stroboscopic system allows for computer cataloging of examinations and manual intra-examination adjustment of light gain. The addition of the laryngeal sensory testing equipment to existing videolaryngoscopic equipment offers the otolaryngologist a valuable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of various laryngeal and swallowing disorders.