The three-part examination
History
The patient tells the story — when it started, how it evolved, and what the voice can no longer do.
Vocal Capabilities
A systematic series of vocal tasks that stress the voice and reveal impairments hidden in normal conversation.
Visual Exam
Endoscopy and stroboscopy confirm what the history and vocal tasks predict — and often reveal what neither alone could show.
A three-part examination has the same value as navigation at sea by triangulation. With three points of reference, the sailor can be almost certain of her exact location. Likewise, when all three portions of the laryngeal exam point to the same problem, the physician can say with great assurance, “This is the likely diagnosis.”
A complete voice examination has three parts — history, vocal capabilities testing, and visual endoscopy — and each part is essential. Together they triangulate the diagnosis with confidence. Alone, each tells only part of the story.