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Advanced Imaging for Accurate Diagnosis

Recorded Throat Examinations | Southern California Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy

Your voice and throat health are essential for breathing, speaking, and swallowing comfortably. When issues arise—such as hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, vocal weakness, or chronic throat discomfort—a recorded throat examination provides a detailed, real-time view of your throat and vocal cords, allowing for precise diagnosis and treatment planning.

At SoCal ENT, we use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy, rigid laryngoscopy, and digital laryngeal stroboscopy, to evaluate the throat, larynx, and vocal cords. These advanced imaging techniques allow our specialists to identify subtle vocal fold issues, detect abnormalities, and track treatment progress using high-resolution recorded video.

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Recorded Throat Examination at a Glance

  • Purpose: Diagnoses hoarseness, weak voice, vocal cord dysfunction, difficulty swallowing, and throat conditions
  • Technology: Uses high-resolution video imaging to examine throat and vocal cord function
  • Procedure Time: Quick, in-office procedure with immediate results
  • Types of Examination: Flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy, rigid laryngoscopy, and digital laryngeal stroboscopy
  • Results: Allows for real-time discussion, treatment planning, and monitoring of vocal health
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On the Record

What is a Recorded Throat Examination?

A recorded throat examination is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure used to assess the health and function of the throat, vocal cords, and larynx. The procedure involves inserting a small, high-definition camera through either the nose or mouth to capture real-time images and videos of the vocal cords and surrounding structures.

This high-resolution video is recorded and can be reviewed immediately with your doctor, allowing for accurate diagnosis of voice and throat conditions and immediate discussion of findings and next steps. Recorded throat exams can also be used to track treatment progress over time

Guided By Comfort

How is a Recorded Throat Examination Performed?

At SoCal ENT, we offer three types of advanced throat examinations using laryngoscopy, each tailored to your specific needs:

Flexible Fiberoptic Laryngoscopy

  • A thin, flexible camera (endoscope) is inserted through the nose to examine the throat and vocal cords.
  • The procedure is quick, painless, and performed in-office.
  • The real-time video can be reviewed immediately with your doctor.

Rigid Laryngoscopy

  • A rigid scope is inserted through the mouth to provide a detailed, high-resolution view of the vocal cords.
  • This method is used to evaluate hoarseness, weak voice, vocal polyps, and difficulty swallowing.
  • Because the scope is rigid, it provides a clearer image than the flexible approach for certain conditions.

Digital Laryngeal Stroboscopy

  • Uses a laryngeal strobe, digital camera, and computer processor to capture slow-motion, high-resolution images of vocal fold vibration.
  • Allows for detailed assessment of vocal cord movement, which is especially useful for subtle or complex vocal disorders.
  • Helps compare the appearance and function of vocal cords before and after treatment.

These advanced techniques provide unmatched diagnostic accuracy, ensuring the best possible treatment plan for your voice and throat health.

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Find Answers. Find Healing.

What Conditions Does a Recorded Throat Examination Diagnose?

A recorded throat examination is used to evaluate and diagnose a variety of conditions affecting the larynx, throat, and vocal cords, including:

  • Chronic hoarseness or voice changes
  • Weak or strained voice
  • Vocal cord nodules, polyps, or cysts
  • Laryngitis or chronic throat irritation
  • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
  • Laryngeal cancer or other throat abnormalities
  • Vocal cord paralysis or dysfunction

By capturing high-quality recorded images, this examination allows for more precise treatment recommendations and helps patients better understand their diagnosis.

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Answers in Real Time

What Are the Benefits of a Recorded Throat Examination?

A recorded throat examination offers several advantages for patients experiencing throat, voice, or swallowing difficulties:

  • Non-Invasive & Quick – Performed in-office with minimal discomfort
  • Real-Time Diagnosis – Your doctor can review and explain the findings immediately
  • High-Resolution Imaging – Detailed visuals help detect even minor vocal cord issues
  • Monitors Treatment Progress – Recordings can be used to track improvements over time
  • More Effective Treatment Planning – Allows for personalized, targeted treatment strategies

For singers, actors, teachers, and other voice professionals, early detection and prevention can protect vocal health and prevent long-term damage.

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Ready for a Change?

Am I a Candidate for a Recorded Throat Examination?

You may benefit from a recorded throat examination if you experience:

  • Persistent hoarseness or voice changes
  • Difficulty swallowing or frequent throat clearing
  • Chronic throat pain, irritation, or coughing
  • A weak or breathy voice
  • Recurrent throat infections or unexplained vocal fatigue

During your consultation, our specialists will determine which type of examination is best suited for your symptoms and concerns.

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Paving the Way to Precision Treatment

Recorded Throat Examination Results

Following your recorded throat examination, your doctor will review the recorded images and video with you in real time, discussing any abnormalities or concerns. They will recommend the most effective treatment plan based on the findings

If further treatment is needed, options may include speech therapy, medication, voice rest, or surgical intervention for more complex conditions.

Recorded Throat Exam

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the procedure is quick and minimally invasive. Some patients may experience mild discomfort, but it is well-tolerated.

Most procedures take only a few minutes, and results can be reviewed immediately with your doctor.

Your doctor will discuss treatment options tailored to your condition, which may include medications, therapy, or further intervention if necessary.

In most cases, no special preparation is needed. Your doctor will provide specific instructions if required.

Yes, most insurance plans cover diagnostic throat exams. We also offer flexible payment options for uninsured patients.