A Comparison of 2 Methods of Endoscopic Laryngeal Sensory Testing

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the association between laryngeal sensory deficits and penetration or aspiration. Two methods of testing laryngeal sensation were carried out to determine which was more highly correlated with Penetration-Aspiration Scale (PAS) scores. Methods: Healthy participants and patients with dysphagia received an endoscopic swallowing evaluation including 2 sequential laryngeal sensory tests—air pulse followed by touch method. Normal/impaired responses were correlated with PAS scores. Results: Fourteen participants completed the endoscopic swallowing evaluation and both sensory tests. The air pulse method identified sensory impairment with greater frequency than the touch method ( P < .0001). However, the impairment identified by the air pulse method was not associated with abnormal PAS scores ( P = .46). The sensory deficits identified by the touch method were associated with abnormal PAS scores ( P = .05). Conclusion: Sensory impairment detected by the air pulse method does not appear to be associated with risk of penetration/aspiration. Significant laryngeal sensory loss revealed by the touch method is associated with compromised airway protection.