Nasoendoscopy Procedure

Nasoendoscopy is a procedure that examines the nose, throat, and voice box using a flexible endoscope, which has a camera at the end. The purpose of the procedure is to evaluate speech and velopharyngeal function as a baseline to determine a treatment plan.

We may recommend a nasoendoscopy procedure if:

• You have chronic sinusitis
• You have problems speaking and swallowing
• You exhibit abnormal speech characteristics like hypernasal resonance and excessive nasal airflow
• Speech therapy does not help you establish oral pressure sounds
• You have a known or suspected palate abnormality

The procedure

A nasoendoscopy procedure is quick and painless, albeit a bit uncomfortable for some. You do not need to follow any special instructions in preparation.

During the procedure, you will be sitting upright and may be asked to occasionally puff out your cheeks, speak, swallow, or stick out your tongue. Your doctor may take a small sample of your nose or throat lining (a biopsy) for examination at the laboratory.

Following the procedure, your throat will likely feel numb for about an hour – do not eat or drink until the numbness wears off. After assessing the results of your nasoendoscopy, we may recommend a surgery called pharyngoplasty to improve soft palate function.