What does endoscopy allow clinicians to do?

Endoscopy is a medical procedure that enables clinicians to directly visualize internal structures using a flexible or rigid tube equipped with a light and camera. In the context of speech science and voice evaluation, endoscopy specifically allows clinicians to view the vocal folds—critical structures in voice production. By observing the vocal folds in real-time, clinicians can assess their movement, appearance, and functioning, which is essential for diagnosing and treating voice disorders. This direct visualization helps in understanding the anatomy and physiology of the larynx, guiding effective intervention strategies for patients with voice issues.

Other choices focus on aspects of voice and speech that are not directly visual, such as airflow measurement, muscle strength evaluation, and sound wave monitoring, which do not involve visual assessment of the vocal folds.