The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery endorses the use of laryngeal videostroboscopy as a diagnostic procedure. Laryngeal videostroboscopy is a term used to describe a video endoscopic procedure with stroboscopic light source for visualization of the vocal folds. This allows the examiner to evaluate the vibratory patterns of the vocal fold mucosa, vocal fold physiology, and detailed vocal fold anatomy/pathology to establish a medical diagnosis. As such, it should be performed by, or under the direct supervision of, an otolaryngologist with training in diagnosis and treatment of vocal fold disorders. Flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy without stroboscopy can be performed initially as a diagnostic screen in the workup of vocal fold disorders. Laryngeal videostroboscopy, which is crucial in the diagnostic process of vocal fold abnormalities, should be performed in cases requiring more focused evaluation of vocal fold motion or vibration. In certain circumstances, laryngeal videostroboscopy may be performed primarily when presenting concerns suggest the need for evaluation of vocal fold motion or vibration. Once laryngeal videostroboscopy has been performed for a patient and a diagnosis has been established by an otolaryngologist, it may be appropriate for a certified, licensed speech-language pathologist to perform periodic, follow-up laryngeal videostroboscopy to assess functional outcomes of voice therapy as part of voice therapy for the patient with supervision by a licensed otolaryngologist. Follow up laryngeal videostroboscopy for diagnostic purposes must be performed by, or under the supervision of, a licensed otolaryngologist. In all cases, a patient’s initial or only laryngeal videostroboscopy examination must be performed by a licensed otolaryngologist or under the supervision of a licensed otolaryngologist.
Approved 3/2007
Revised 3/2/2014
Revised 7/2025
Important Disclaimer Notice (Updated 7/31/14)
Position statements are approved by the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery or Foundation (AAO-HNS/F) Boards of Directors and are typically generated from AAO-HNS/F committees. Once approved by the Academy or Foundation Board of Directors, they become official position statements and are added to the existing position statement library. In no sense do they represent a standard of care. The applicability of position statements, as guidance for a procedure, must be determined by the responsible physician in light of all the circumstances presented by the individual patient. Adherence to these clinical position statements will not ensure successful treatment in every situation. As with all AAO-HNS/F guidance, this position statement should not be deemed inclusive of all proper treatment decisions or methods of care, nor exclusive of other treatment decisions or methods of care reasonably directed to obtaining the same results. Position statements are not intended to and should not be treated as legal, medical, or business advice.
