Otolaryngology (ENT) Diagnostics & Testing
Comprehensive otolaryngology tests
Your ear, nose and throat specialist will use a number of tests to evaluate and diagnose your condition. As you would expect, the specialist can provide helpful answers to your questions and share advice on how best to proceed. Depending on the symptoms you are experiencing, your otolaryngologist may recommend one of the following:
- Nasal Endoscopy, Flexible Fiberoptic Laryngoscopy – An endoscope is a long, thin, flexible tube with a tiny video camera and light on the end. By adjusting the controls on the endoscope, the otolaryngologist can safely guide the instrument to carefully examine your nasal passages and throat.
- In-lab sleep study – Meet with your doctor to set up an in-lab, overnight sleep study, also called a polysomnogram (PSG). It records brain activity, eye and body movements as well as other vitals to help uncover hidden health issues related to sleep.
- At-home sleep apnea testing – After meeting with your doctor, you may decide the best option is to use a simple, at-home sleep apnea test. It measures your heart rate, blood oxygen level, air flow and/or breathing patterns.
- Audiology testing – An audiometry hearing test will help us evaluate the state of your hearing and whether hearing aids or surgery can be used to improve hearing. The test will measure your ability to hear different sounds, pitches and frequencies.
- Voice evaluation – Your otolaryngologist will conduct an evaluation to determine what might be causing the issues with your voice and to help pinpoint what treatment options might work best for you.
- Swallowing study – This test is used to demonstrate what happens in your throat and esophagus when you swallow. You will swallow a substance called barium while an x-ray is used to film to show function in your throat as you swallow.
