ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To assess whether /i:/ ("ee") is the best sound to use during indirect laryngoscopy to produce the optimal view of the larynx. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: District general hospital otolaryngology outpatient clinic. PATIENTS: Eighty-seven patients from a general otolaryngology clinic with no laryngeal or pharyngeal symptoms or pathology. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The views obtained during indirect laryngoscopy and vocalization of /i:/ ("ee"), /ei/ ("ay"), /[see text]/ ("err"), /a:/ ("ah"), and /ea/ ("air") were graded according to a laryngoscopy grading system. RESULTS: The greatest number of adequate views of the larynx was achieved by using the sounds /i:/ and /[see text]/. There was no significant difference between /i:/ and /[see text]/ (p = .740), but there were significant differences between /i:/ and /ei/ (p = .019), /i:/ and /a:/ (p = .00000), and /i:/ and /ea/ (p = .00013). CONCLUSION: For the optimal view of the larynx during indirect laryngoscopy, we recommend the use of the sounds /i:/ ("ee") and /[see text]/ ("err").
