Position Statement: Intra-Operative Use of Computer Aided Surgery
August 12, 2025The American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery endorses the intraoperative use of computer-aided surgery in appropriately select cases to assist the surgeon in clarifying complex anatomy during sinus and skull base surgery. There is sufficient expert consensus opinion and literature evidence base…
Parathyroid Imaging
August 12, 2025Based on comprehensive evidence in the medical literature and expert opinion, the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery affirms that select preoperative imaging can facilitate localization of hyperfunctional parathyroid glands and thus improve outcomes for patients undergoing surgery for hyperparathyroidism. Examples of imaging…
Scope of Radiologic Training and Interpretation of Paranasal Imaging by Otolaryngologists
August 12, 2025The American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery endorses the ability of otolaryngologists to review and provide their expert interpretation of radiologic studies pertaining to the head and neck region with particular emphasis on the paranasal sinuses and temporal bones. In order for otolaryngology…
Position Statement: Voice Therapy in the Treatment of Dysphonia
August 12, 2025Voice therapy contributes to increased effectiveness and efficiency in the otolaryngologist's diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders. Research data and expert clinical experience support the use of voice therapy in the management of patients with acute and chronic voice disorders and may obviate the…
Position Statement: Laryngoscopy and Bronchoscopy
August 12, 2025Complete assessment of the airway for potential pathology requires both direct laryngoscopy and bronchoscopy. In most cases, these procedures require separate and distinct instrumentation and/or anesthetic management. It is the position of the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery that, in…
Position Statement: The Roles of Flexible Laryngoscopy Videostroboscopy
August 12, 2025The Roles of Flexible Laryngoscopy Videostroboscopy in the Office Evaluation and Management of Patients with Otolaryngologic Disorders. Flexible and rigid diagnostic laryngoscopy (31575) and flexible (31579) and/or rigid videostroboscopy are well-established diagnostic procedures that are medically indicated for the diagnosis and management of…
Position Statement: Laryngopharyngeal Reflux
August 12, 2025Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) occurs when gastric contents (acid and enzymes such as pepsin) flow in a retrograde fashion and contact the tissues of the upper aerodigestive tract. LPR may be associated with chronic sore throat, hoarseness, frequent throat clearing, cough, globus sensation, refractory asthma, laryngeal…
Position Statement: In-Office Photoangiolytic Laser Treatment of Laryngeal Pathology
August 12, 2025Photoangiolytic laser treatment, which is typically performed in an office or ambulatory setting under local or topical anesthesia with a flexible fiberoptic laryngoscope, is an established surgical treatment that is indicated for management of laryngeal pathologies including, but not limited to, vascular ectasias, polyps…
Position Statement: Flexible Endoscopic Examinations of Swallowing (FEES)
August 12, 2025Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate velopharyngeal, phonatory, and swallowing functions in adults and children. This study allows for assessment of the anatomy as well as direct observation of swallowing function and control of the movement of secretions…
Position Statment: Tonsil and Adenoid Surgery
August 12, 2025Otolaryngologists use a variety of safe and efficacious techniques and instruments to perform tonsil and adenoid surgery. Based on available data, the AAO-HNS does not find that one technique or instrument is clearly superior. The AAO-HNS supports the discretion of surgeons to determine…
Intraoperative Cranial Nerve Monitoring In Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
August 12, 2025Otolaryngologists have been trained to perform, interpret, and utilize strategically intraoperative cranial nerve monitoring and nerve stimulation testing, which are surgically applicable to cranial nerves of the head and neck and can serve as effective adjuncts to anatomic knowledge and surgical technique. Revised 01/2018…
Position Statement: Remote Practice of Allergy
August 12, 2025The decision to test for allergy should be based on first-hand knowledge gained by an individual history and physical examination. The results of allergy testing must be interpreted in light of these findings. The decision to treat with immunotherapy should be based not just…
Position Statement: Allergy
August 12, 2025The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery states that the management of allergic disorders is an integral part of the specialty of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Adopted 10/20/1982 Revised 2/4/1989 Reviewed 2/27/1993 Submitted for Review 4…
International Programs
August 12, 2025International outreach, worldwide partnerships, and the exchange of information and education are vital to the Academy and its Foundation. Global Grand Rounds The AAO-HNSF Global Grand Rounds series is an initiative of the Academy’s International Advisory Board (IAB) to improve care of…
International Member Rates
August 12, 2025Special Member Rates for International Physicians The international physician member rate at the Academy is typically $625, but many international physicians are eligible for a reduced rate based on their country’s World Bank designation. Please view the lists below to see the reduced…
Position Statement: Button and Coin Battery Technology
August 11, 2025Opportunity to eliminate preventable harm: Industry must adopt a new safe button or coin cell battery technology that will not cause severe injury inside the body A button or coin cell battery can cause life-threatening tissue injuries of the esophagus, trachea, or major…
Clinical Practice Guideline Research Needs
August 11, 2025The CPG Research Needs identified below are not a comprehensive list of all research areas that AAO-HNSF is currently supporting or plans to support in the future. The AAO-HNSF is committed to supporting new, innovative hypothesis-driven, meritorious research which can lead to…
World Sinus Health Awareness Month
August 8, 2025World Sinus Health Awareness Month was founded by the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) to inform and educate patients around the world about the causes of their nasal and sinus symptoms as well as various treatment options and when…