A deep learning pipeline for automated classification of vocal fold polyps in flexible laryngoscopy.

PURPOSE: To develop and validate a deep learning model for distinguishing healthy vocal folds (HVF) and vocal fold polyps (VFP) on laryngoscopy videos, while demonstrating the ability of a previously developed informative frame classifier in facilitating deep learning development. METHODS: Following retrospective extraction of image frames from 52 HVF and 77 unilateral VFP videos, two researchers manually labeled each frame as informative or uninformative. A previously developed informative frame classifier was used to extract informative frames from the same video set. Both sets of videos were independently divided into training (60%), validation (20%), and test (20%) by patient. Machine-labeled frames were independently verified by two researchers to assess the precision of the informative frame classifier. Two models, pre-trained on ResNet18, were trained to classify frames as containing HVF or VFP. The accuracy of the polyp classifier trained on machine-labeled frames was compared to that of the classifier trained on human-labeled frames. The performance was measured by accuracy and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). RESULTS: When evaluated on a hold-out test set, the polyp classifier trained on machine-labeled frames achieved an accuracy of 85% and AUROC of 0.84, whereas the classifier trained on human-labeled frames achieved an accuracy of 69% and AUROC of 0.66. CONCLUSION: An accurate deep learning classifier for vocal fold polyp identification was developed and validated with the assistance of a peer-reviewed informative frame classifier for dataset assembly. The classifier trained on machine-labeled frames demonstrates improved performance compared to the classifier trained on human-labeled frames.

Consensus statement: Using laryngeal electromyography for the diagnosis and treatment of vocal cord paralysis.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to develop an evidence-based consensus statement regarding use of laryngeal electromyography (LEMG) for diagnosis and treatment of vocal fold paralysis after recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN). METHODS: Two questions regarding LEMG were analyzed: (1) Does LEMG predict recovery in patients with acute unilateral or bilateral vocal fold paralysis? (2) Do LEMG findings change clinical management in these individuals? A systematic review was performed using American Academy of Neurology criteria for rating of diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS: Active voluntary motor unit potential recruitment and presence of polyphasic motor unit potentials within the first 6 months after lesion onset predicted recovery. Positive sharp waves and/or fibrillation potentials did not predict outcome. The presence of electrical synkinesis may decrease the likelihood of recovery, based on 1 published study. LEMG altered clinical management by changing the initial diagnosis from RLN in 48% of cases. Cricoarytenoid fixation and superior laryngeal neuropathy were the most common other diagnoses observed. CONCLUSIONS: If prognostic information is required in a patient with vocal fold paralysis that is more than 4 weeks and less than 6 months in duration, then LEMG should be performed. LEMG may be performed to clarify treatment decisions for vocal fold immobility that is presumed to be caused by RLN. Muscle Nerve 53: 850-855, 2016.

Hoarseness misattributed to reflux: sources and patterns of error.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify voice disorders commonly misidentified as reflux and sources of such misattribution. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. METHODS: Twenty-six patients carrying a diagnosis of reflux alone presenting for second-opinion evaluation were identified from among 381 new patients presenting with a chief complaint of hoarseness over an 8-month period. Patients specifically referred for further workup were excluded. RESULTS: Average duration of reflux treatment was 10.6 +/- 9.0 weeks. In no case was reflux alone the cause of hoarseness. Eleven (42%) had phonotraumatic lesions, 9 (34%) had neurologic disorders, 5 (19%) had age-related changes, and I (4%) was infectious. Twenty-two (85%) abnormalities were diagnosed by dynamic laryngeal examination with improved optics, including stroboscopy. Only 4 (15%) represented disorders routinely diagnosed with flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy. CONCLUSION: Hoarse patients with no apparent cause for dysphonia other than reflux after flexible laryngoscopy, or who fail to improve with appropriate treatment, may benefit from further laryngeal investigation rather than continued empiric treatment or further reflux evaluation.

Prospective Outcomes of Microlaryngoscopy Versus Office Laser Photoangiolysis for Vocal Fold Polyps.

OBJECTIVE(S): The objective of this study is to compare treatment outcomes for vocal fold polyps (VFPs) between operating room microlaryngoscopy and office-based photoangiolysis with the potassium titanyl phosphate (KTP) laser. METHODS: Prospective nonrandomized cohort study of patients with VFPs undergoing microlaryngoscopy ("OR group") or KTP laser photoangiolysis ("KTP group"). Voice outcomes (patient-reported outcome measures [Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) and Singing VHI-10 (SVHI-10)], auditory-perceptual measures [Consensus Auditory-Perceptual Evaluation of Voice (CAPE-V)], videostroboscopic characteristics [Voice-Vibratory Assessment of Laryngeal Imaging (VALI)], and acoustic and aerodynamic measures) were performed at baseline and regular intervals after intervention. RESULTS: Forty-four subjects (17 OR group, 27 KTP group) with VFPs were enrolled. Mean VHI-10 significantly improved from baseline to each follow-up interval in both groups, except for the 1-2-week interval in the OR group. Mean SVHI-10 improved for both groups at some intervals. Growth curve models and time-to-event analyses for patient-reported outcomes did not differ between groups. There were significant improvements in all categories of auditory-perceptual voice quality and some categories of videostroboscopic characteristics in both groups. No significant trends were identified in acoustic and aerodynamic measures. Improvements in most outcomes did not significantly differ between groups or based on polyp size. There were no major complications. CONCLUSIONS: Significant improvements in patient-reported voice outcomes measures, auditory-perceptual voice evaluation, and videostroboscopic characteristics occur following surgical treatment of vocal fold polyps with either microlaryngoscopy or office-based KTP laser. Long-term voice outcomes do not significantly differ between treatment modalities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3 Laryngoscope, 134:S1-S20, 2024.

Return to Vocal Performance Following Microlaryngoscopy in Singers.

INTRODUCTION: Although microlaryngoscopy has been recognized to be effective in addressing lesions in vocal performers, no detailed information regarding return to performance (RTP) following surgery exists. We describe our experience and offer proposals to establish standardized criteria for RTP among vocal performers. METHODS: Records for adult vocalists who underwent microlaryngoscopy for benign vocal fold (VF) lesions and had a clearly documented RTP date between 2006 and 2022 were reviewed. Patient demographics, diagnoses, interventions, and postsurgical care before and after RTP were described. The need for medical and procedural interventions and rate of reinjury were used to determine the success of RTP. RESULTS: Sixty-nine vocal performers (average age: 32.8 years, 41 [59.4%] female, 61 [88.4%] musical theater) underwent surgery for 37 (53.6%) pseudocysts, 25 (36.2%) polyps, 5 (7.2%) cysts, 1 (1.4%) varix, and 1 (1.4%) mucosal bridge. Fifty-seven (82.6%) underwent voice therapy. The average time to RTP was 65.0 ± 29.8 days. Prior to RTP, six (8.7%) experienced VF edema requiring oral steroids and one (1.4%) underwent a VF steroid injection. Within 6 months following RTP, eight (11.6%) received oral steroids for edema and three underwent procedural interventions (two steroid injections for edema/stiffness, one injection augmentation for paresis). One patient experienced pseudocyst recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Return to vocal performance at an average of 2 months following microlaryngoscopy for benign lesions appears overwhelmingly successful, with low rates of need for additional intervention. There is a need for validated instruments to better measure performance fitness to refine and possibly accelerate RTP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 134:329-334, 2024.

Quality of Office-based Procedure Training During Laryngology Fellowship.

OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to assess the perspectives of recent laryngology fellowship graduates on office-based procedure training, with a secondary objective to compare this with previous research on perspectives of fellowship directors. METHODS: Recent laryngology fellowship graduates were surveyed via an online survey platform regarding post-fellowship practice and various aspects of office-based procedure training, including perceived competence, mentorship, and barriers. RESULTS: There were 51 respondents. Seventy-six percent of respondents felt they "definitely" received adequate office procedure training. Number of procedures as primary surgeon was significantly associated with perception of adequate training (OR 1.54, 95% CI: 1.08-2.19, p = 0.018) and high post-fellowship office procedure volume (OR 1.56, 95% CI: 1.02-2.39, p = 0.040). Fellows reported a lower percentage of procedures as primary surgeons compared with program directors (46.8% vs. 61.9%, p = 0.028). Fellows and directors agreed that informal debriefs were more commonly employed than more structured training elements such as checklists and simulators. Of nine office procedures, laryngeal electromyography, KTP laser, and transnasal esophagoscopy had the greatest decreases in practice after training. CONCLUSION: Although most recent laryngology fellowship graduates endorse adequate office-based procedure training, a range of individual experiences exists, and office procedure volume, both overall and across individual procedures, may decrease after fellowship. Fellows performing office procedures as primary surgeons may be linked to perceived quality of training and post-fellowship volume. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: NA Laryngoscope, 134:1802-1806, 2024.

De Novo Granuloma of the Membranous Vocal Fold: A Marker of Occult Malignancy.

OBJECTIVE: De novo occurrence of granuloma (granulation tissue) on the membranous vocal fold is not readily explained by usual causes of granuloma at the vocal process. We describe a series of patients. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Single academic institution. METHODS: Cases were identified over a 16-year period. All patients exhibited granulation tissue on pathology. Demographic details, presentation, treatment, histology, and clinical outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Five patients (mean age: 74.0 ± 6.1 years, 40.0% male, 40.0% former smokers) underwent a biopsy. Persistent or recurrent granulation led to a second biopsy in 4 patients an average of 1423.5 days later, revealing a new diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in situ in one and mild dysplasia in another. Further persistence or recurrence led to a third biopsy or excision an average of 302.3 days later in 3 patients, demonstrating SCC in situ in 1. An average of 2.5 biopsies were required with a mean time to SCC in situ diagnosis of 919.5 days from presentation. Two patients continued to demonstrate persistent granulation tissue on histology. CONCLUSION: The membranous vocal fold is an atypical location for granuloma and portends a risk of occult malignancy. The occurrence of de novo granuloma at this site should prompt close long-term clinical surveillance with a low threshold for biopsy. Consideration should be given to tissue collection in the operating room to adequately sample the lesion's base. Concern should persist even after a negative biopsy, and serial observation with repeat biopsy as needed should be pursued.

Understanding Performers' Perspectives on Access to Care and Support for Voice Injuries: A Survey Study.

INTRODUCTION: Previous studies show that performers face higher risk of voice injury and experience greater impairment compared to nonperformers. Understanding the factors influencing support for performers is important for improving outcomes. METHODS: An anonymous online survey was distributed to a target audience of performers with past voice injury, inquiring about their understanding of voice injury "red flags," access to voice care support resources, treatment adherence, and comfort discussing injury with others. Responses were analyzed considering various clinicodemographic factors and aspects related to care and treatment. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 151 performers with self-reported history of voice injury, representing multiple performance genres. Participants commonly sought help from a general otolaryngologist (52; 34.44%), laryngologist (41; 27.15%), or voice teacher (40; 26.49%) and treatments included voice therapy, rest, medication, and surgery, with a majority reporting high treatment adherence (129; 87.16%), a statistically significant factor in resolving symptoms. Those with partial or nonadherence cited financial/insurance barriers, scheduling/availability conflicts, or treatment dissatisfaction. Participants reported high awareness of voice injury "red flags" (mean 86.80; SD 18.87%), and moderate access to voice care tools/resources (mean 74.76; SD 29.1) and a voice team (mean 71.23; SD 36.52), but low support from management/production teams (mean 50.69; SD 37.23). Several expressed a desire for better education about preventive care (mean 70.06; SD 37.78). Comfort levels in discussing voice injuries varied across social contexts, but those working with voice teachers were more comfortable discussing their voice problems with colleagues and peers. CONCLUSION: This study explores performers' perspectives on accessing care for voice injuries and emphasizes the importance of increased preventive education to address the ongoing stigma surrounding voice injuries and to foster a supportive environment for performers seeking help. Additionally, the study highlights the role of voice professionals in both providing and advocating for support systems for performers with voice injury.

A novel electrodiagnostic assessment of the laryngeal closure reflex.

INTRODUCTION: We describe a novel, clinically applicable conduction study of the laryngeal nerves. METHODS: Seventeen normal volunteer subjects were included. Activation of the sensory territory of the superior laryngeal nerve was performed by administration of low level brief electrical stimuli. The laryngeal closure reflex (LCR) evoked by this stimulus was recorded by needle electrodes. Mean minimal latencies were calculated for each response, and proposed values for the upper limit of normal were determined. RESULTS: Uniform, consistent early ipsilateral responses and late bilateral responses, which exhibit greater variation in latency and morphology, were recorded. Significant side-to-side differences in latencies were observed, consistent with the length discrepancy between right and left recurrent laryngeal nerves. CONCLUSIONS: This technique yields clear, quantifiable data regarding neurologic integrity of laryngeal function, heretofore unobtainable in the clinical setting. This study may yield clinically relevant information regarding severity and prognosis in patients with laryngeal neuropathic injury.

Increased Incidence of Ulcerative Laryngitis During Spring 2022 Omicron-Variant Wave of COVID19.

OBJECTIVES: Ulcerative laryngitis is a distinctive condition which typically follows illness with severe cough, and is characterized by dysphonia, ulcerative lesions of the vocal folds, and a prolonged clinical course. We present four patients with ulcerative laryngitis who presented in close succession amid the surge in omicron-variant COVID19 cases. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review. METHODS: Patient records for patients with ulcerative laryngitis from April and May 2022 were reviewed and compared with patients who presented with the same diagnosis from January 2017 through March 2022. Incidence, patient demographics, occupation, vaccination status, disease history, and treatment were obtained and compared. RESULTS: Four patients presented with ulcerative laryngitis over six weeks. Compared to the previous 4 years, this represented an eight-fold increase in monthly incidence. Average time from symptom onset to presentation was 15 days. All patients presented with dysphonia, with an average VHI10 of 23 and SVHI10 of 28. Two patients were COVID positive, one negative, and one had unknown COVID status. Three patients were fully vaccinated while one patient had only received one dose. Treatments included voice rest, steroids, antibiotics, antireflux medicine, and cough suppressants. Clinical course tended to be shorter and outcomes similar to the comparison group. CONCLUSION: The incidence of ulcerative laryngitis appeared to increase markedly with the prevalence of omicron-variant COVID19. Potential explanations include the apparent upper airway focus of omicron infection in contrast with prior variants and/or change in COVID19 infection characteristics in a vaccinated population.

Perception of Proton Pump Inhibitor Side Effects Among Members of the American Broncho-Esophagological Association.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate awareness of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) side effects and the resulting changes in reflux mana management among members of the American Broncho-Esophagological Association (ABEA) caring for adult patients in light of increasing concern for PPIs long-term adverse effects. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey study METHODS: Online surveys were electronically distributed to ABEA members assessing awareness of PPI side effects and current practice in reflux management. RESULTS: 374 ABEA members were contacted, of whom, 43 (11.5%) completed the survey. The majority of respondents (94.1%) selected laryngology as their principal focus. The entire cohort warned their patients about PPI side effects, with highest concern for osteoporotic risk. Most respondents (88.2%) had changed their PPI prescription frequency in light of recent studies on PPI side effects, with 55.9% avoiding PPI prescription and 94.1% limiting the duration of PPI courses. Instead of PPIs, 73.5% of responders prescribe H2-receptor blockers. The primary reasons for starting patients on PPIs were typical gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (47.1%), followed by laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms (41.2%), and endoscopic findings suspicious for reflux (11.8%). Finally, the majority of respondents (82.4%) had referred at least one patient for surgical management of gastroesophageal reflux in the past year. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of surveyed ABEA members were concerned about reports of PPI adverse effects and had modified their prescription patterns as a result. Avoidance of PPI recommendation was common, along with the preference for H2 blockers in the management of GERD and LPR. PPI side effects of greatest concern to broncho-esophagologists treating adult patients were osteoporosis, renal dysfunction and dementia.

Performers With History of Voice Injury: A Survey Study of Treatment Outcomes and Vocal Function.

INTRODUCTION: Past studies show that performers are more susceptible to voice injury, have higher incidence of injury, and experience greater vocal impairment than non-performers. Despite literature demonstrating otherwise, there remains fear and stigma that voice injury is a career-ending circumstance. Much of this is due to a lack of information about post-treatment vocal function. METHODS: An anonymous online survey was distributed via email, flyer, and social media to a target audience of performers with a history of voice injury. It inquired about occupation, vocal symptoms, professionals consulted, and treatment adherence. Outcome measures included ability to perform, resolution of symptoms, and attitudes about their voices after voice injury. Findings were analyzed descriptively with statistical analysis to determine factors that may be related to favorable outcomes. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 151 performers representing a range of genres, including musical theatre, classical, and popular genres. The most reported vocal symptoms were decreased range, singing voice quality changes, increased singing effort, and vocal fatigue. Most initially sought care from an otolaryngologist, laryngologist, or voice teacher. Diagnoses and recommendations varied, but those who adhered to treatment were more likely to report resolution of voice symptoms (P = 0.025). Those with symptoms for 2-4 weeks reported greater vocal confidence than those with a longer symptom duration (P = 0.0251). Performers working with a voice teacher were more likely to find treatment helpful (P = 0.0174). Those with neurogenic voice conditions reported less vocal reliability than participants with other pathologies (P = 0.0155). CONCLUSION: The majority of participants continued to perform, reported resolved or improved voice symptoms after treatment, and reported positive attitudes about their voices, regardless of their injury or current presence or absence of pathology on exam. Findings of this study highlight a need for continued outreach to voice teachers, education programs, and production teams about vocal function after voice injury.

Correlation Between Laryngoscopic Appearance and Histopathology in Vocal Fold Cysts.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Cysts are benign vocal fold lesions typically divided into mucous retention or epidermoid subtypes. The conventional paradigm that the former are translucent and the latter opaque fails to encompass the heterogeneity of cyst appearance on laryngoscopy. This study aims to characterize the relationships between clinical cyst characteristics and histopathology. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort METHODS: Clinicodemographic data, videostroboscopy findings, and histopathology results were retrospectively reviewed for adults who underwent surgical excision of vocal fold cysts at our institution between 2006 and 2021. RESULTS: Diagnostic histopathologic material was available for 69 patients (age: 50.4 ± 15.1 years, 68.1% female). Clinically, most cysts were opaque (69.6%) and located at the vibratory margin (82.6%). 11.6% were infraglottic. Significant associations existed between cyst location and epithelial type, with infraglottic cysts and those at the superior surface more commonly exhibiting ductal (P = 0.003) and squamous (P = 0.002) epithelium, respectively. Cyst opacity did not correlate with histopathology (P = 0.415). Epidermoid cysts were more likely to exhibit clinical inflammation (P = 0.002).

Performers' Perceptions of Vocal Function During Oral Steroid Treatment of Vocal Fold Edema.

OBJECTIVES: Acute vocal fold edema (VFE) is often a consequence of illness, allergy, or voice overuse, causing dysphonia. Although VFE typically resolves with voice rest and treatment of predisposing causes, oral glucocorticoids are often considered for performers with imminent performance demands. There are limited data about performers' perceptions of vocal change during treatment and how this relates to their ability to perform. This study aims to examine performers' self-perceptions of vocal function with steroid treatment. METHODS: Fifty-five performers (34 F; 21 M) diagnosed with VFE who chose treatment with a 6-day methylprednisolone taper were prospectively assessed. They completed the Evaluation of the Ability to Sing Easily (EASE) and reported on their voice use, regimen, performance obligations, and ability to perform. Findings were compared between Day 1 and Day 6 using paired t-tests and nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. RESULTS: Nearly all subjects completed scheduled performances without interruption. Following treatment, all subscales of the EASE were decreased at Day 6 (Vocal Function 29.78-20.59; Pathologic Risk Indicator 26.60-17.33; Vocal Concerns 6.10-4.20). These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.0001) and greater in subjects with performances scheduled and subjects who consistently completed vocal warmups. These findings demonstrate significant improvement in several facets of performers' self-perception of function. CONCLUSION: Subjects reported significant improvement in vocal function with oral steroid treatment and were able to meet performance obligations. It remains important that steroids are not prescribed without laryngeal examination. Examination should be repeated when dysphonia persists, recurs swiftly, or when patients seek repeated treatment, as there may be increased risk of adverse outcomes, and continued steroid use may mask underlying chronic pathology that is best treated by other means. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 132:2434-2441, 2022.

Automatic classification of informative laryngoscopic images using deep learning.

Objective: This study aims to develop and validate a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based algorithm for automatic selection of informative frames in flexible laryngoscopic videos. The classifier has the potential to aid in the development of computer-aided diagnosis systems and reduce data processing time for clinician-computer scientist teams. Methods: A dataset of 22,132 laryngoscopic frames was extracted from 137 flexible laryngostroboscopic videos from 115 patients. 55 videos were from healthy patients with no laryngeal pathology and 82 videos were from patients with vocal fold polyps. The extracted frames were manually labeled as informative or uninformative by two independent reviewers based on vocal fold visibility, lighting, focus, and camera distance, resulting in 18,114 informative frames and 4018 uninformative frames. The dataset was split into training and test sets. A pre-trained ResNet-18 model was trained using transfer learning to classify frames as informative or uninformative. Hyperparameters were set using cross-validation. The primary outcome was precision for the informative class and secondary outcomes were precision, recall, and F1-score for all classes. The processing rate for frames between the model and a human annotator were compared. Results: The automated classifier achieved an informative frame precision, recall, and F1-score of 94.4%, 90.2%, and 92.3%, respectively, when evaluated on a hold-out test set of 4438 frames. The model processed frames 16 times faster than a human annotator. Conclusion: The CNN-based classifier demonstrates high precision for classifying informative frames in flexible laryngostroboscopic videos. This model has the potential to aid researchers with dataset creation for computer-aided diagnosis systems by automatically extracting relevant frames from laryngoscopic videos.

Patterns of Recurrence of Phonotraumatic Vocal Fold Lesions Suggest Distinct Mechanisms of Injury.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To examine patterns of recurrence of benign phonotraumatic vocal fold lesions over time for insights into pathophysiology. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with mathematical modeling. METHODS: Medical records and stroboscopic exams of adults who underwent microlaryngoscopic resection of phonotraumatic vocal fold lesions over a 13-year period were reviewed for time to recurrence after surgery. Uniform and log-normal probability distributions were fitted to the time to recurrence curves for vocal fold polyps, midfold masses, and pseudocysts. Model fits were compared using the Akaike information criterion corrected, a standard measure of the goodness of fit. Stochastic simulations were used to verify that the mechanistic hypotheses were concordant with the selected probability distributions and empiric data. RESULTS: Of 567 patients who underwent microlaryngoscopic resection, 65 had a recurrence (16 polyps, 14 midfold masses, and 35 pseudocysts). Midfold mass and pseudocyst recurrences were predominantly seen in younger women. Polyps were best fit by a uniform distribution rather than log-normal, whereas midfold masses and pseudocysts were better fit by log-normal rather than uniform. Stochastic simulations suggest that polyps recur sporadically according to a paroxysmal-developmental model, whereas midfold mass and pseudocyst recurrences follow a force-multiplication, damage-accumulation process. CONCLUSIONS: Vocal fold polyps are acute lesions evenly distributed by age and gender that recur uniformly over time, suggesting they arise from sudden tissue reactions to phonotraumatic stress. Pseudocysts and midfold fibrous masses are chronic lesions predominantly found in young women that recur with log-normal distribution over time, suggesting gradual damage accumulation in larynges predisposed to enhanced phonotrauma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:2523-2529, 2021.

Office-Based Procedure Training in Laryngology Fellowship Programs.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the current practices and challenges of training office-based procedures to laryngology fellows in the United States. METHODS: An anonymous web-based survey study was distributed to laryngology fellowship program directors, as listed by the American Laryngological Association. The survey was a 19-item questionnaire with free-text, Likert scale, and multiple-choice answers. RESULTS: Twenty-two of 27 program directors (81.4%) replied to the survey. Many programs (8/16) have three or more laryngologists and do more than 10 procedures each week (10/16). Sixty-nine percent (11/16) of directors had not been trained for office procedures in their fellowship. The fellows are allowed to be primary surgeon on 68.75% and 75% of vocal fold augmentation and laser procedures, respectively. The expected competencies for these procedures on graduation are average-moderate and moderate. When program directors asked about the methods used for training, a minority of them use simulators (2/16), procedural checklists (2/16), or structured debriefing (2/16). The most commonly used methods were case-based troubleshooting (13/16) and unstructured debriefing (13/16). Patients being awake and patients' expectations are seen as the most important obstacles. Most of the directors thought office-based procedure training could be improved (14/16). The most common suggestions were using step-wise checklists, simulator-labs, and formal debriefings. CONCLUSION: This is the first study evaluating the training of office-based laryngeal procedures during laryngology fellowship. Given the increasing importance of these procedures in practice and the herein identified barriers and need for improvement, fellowships should investigate the use of systematic training tools to improve fellow competency with office-based procedures. Laryngoscope, 131:2054-2058, 2021.

Prospective Evaluation of Safety of Singing on Steroids: Testing the Truth of Received Wisdom.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Performing while on steroids is widely considered to increase risk of vocal injury. This study aims to determine incidence and type of injury, and changes in performers' voices after treatment of vocal fold edema (VFE) with glucocorticoids. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective Cohort. METHODS: Fifty-five performers (34 female; 21 male) treated for acute VFE with short-course oral glucocorticoids were prospectively evaluated pre- and post-treatment. Subjects underwent videostroboscopy, acoustic/aerodynamic assessment, and functional assessment with the Singing Voice Handicap Index-10 (SVHI-10) and Evaluation of the Ability to Sing Easily (EASE). Blinded reviewers rated videostroboscopic examinations and performed audio-perceptual assessment. Chi-square tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were applied for analyses of treatment changes. RESULTS: Following glucocorticoid treatment, two instances of vocal fold hemorrhage (3.6%) and three instances of glottic thrush (5.5%) were observed. These resolved without consequence. Mucosal wave dynamics and edema improved. Nearly all subjects completed scheduled performances, and significant improvement was noted on the EASE, reflecting improved function after treatment. These were further supported by statistically significant improvements in CAPE-V and some acoustic and aerodynamic outcomes (semitone pitch range for females, airflow measures for males). CONCLUSIONS: Oral glucocorticoids appear to be generally safe for performers presenting with acute VFE. The incidence of adverse effects, specifically hemorrhage and thrush, was low and the effects transient. Vocal fold examination should be considered obligatory before prescribing glucorticoids to working performers. A treatment strategy for acute VF edema incorporating glucocorticoids when appropriate appears to result in significant improvements in measures of glottal function including videostroboscopic appearance, subject perception, and auditory perception. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 131:2298-2304, 2021.

Voice Change Following Testosterone Supplementation in Women: A Multi-Institutional Case Series.

OBJECTIVES: To describe voice changes as a result of the off-label use of androgen supplementation in women. METHODS: A multi-institutional retrospective consecutive case series identified women taking androgen supplementation who presented to voice clinics at two institutions with a chief complaint of voice change between 2014 and 2019. Age, occupation, hormone therapy, indication, Voice Handicap Index-10, fundamental frequency, semitone pitch range, testosterone blood level, treatment undertaken, and long-term outcome were collected. RESULTS: Nine women presented with voice change after initiation of androgen hormone supplementation. The mean age was 55 and three patients were performers. All patients underwent hormone therapy with testosterone supplementation, most commonly subcutaneous testosterone pellets. Six patients (67%) were being treated for menopause symptoms, one patient for decreased libido, one patient for breast cancer, and one patient who desired additional muscle gain. Time of symptom onset after hormone therapy initiation was highly variable, ranging from 0 to 48 months with a mean of 15 months. Mean Voice Handicap Index-10 was 21, mean fundamental frequency at comfortable speaking level was 155 Hz and mean semitone pitch range was 22 semitones. Two patients had markedly elevated serum total testosterone levels. Hormone therapy discontinuation and voice therapy were recommended in six (67%) patients each. Five patients returned for follow-up after treatment and noted some subjective benefit. CONCLUSIONS: Female patients treated with androgen supplementation may experience unintended voice changes, most prominently reduction in fundamental frequency. Although some benefit may be obtained from voice therapy and cessation of hormone therapy, voice changes may be permanent. Caution should be exercised when prescribing these medications to women.

Establishing an Office-Based Framework for Resuming Otolaryngology Care in Academic Practice During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: The COVID-19 health crisis abruptly disrupted the practice of otolaryngology. This article aims to define the changes needed to operate an academic otolaryngology practice safely and efficiently from within the epicenter of the pandemic. We define the areas of normal patient workflow that have been affected by COVID-19, and we offer mitigation strategies with attention paid to the specific needs of subspecialties. DATA SOURCES: The article includes data specific to the office practice metrics of the Weill Cornell Medicine Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, as well as publically available data from New York Presbyterian Hospital system and the New York Times. REVIEW METHODS: Expert opinion. CONCLUSIONS: Through careful planning and execution, it is possible to reestablish safe otolaryngologic patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic. It will require a significant change from prior practice models for successful implementation. Additionally, telemedicine can be positively integrated into the treatment of otolaryngology diseases for new and established patients. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The information conveyed in this review can be used as a guide by large and small otolaryngology groups to identify aspects of the patient visit that are "at risk" due to COVID-19, and it suggests sensible responses that can be made without a significant disruption to normal practice. The methods used to identify vulnerabilities with the patient visit process can be applied to future unforeseen crises, such as a resurgence of COVID-19 or a novel pandemic.