To "EE" or not to "EE".
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether /i:/ ("ee") is the best sound to use during indirect laryngoscopy to produce the optimal view of the larynx.


METHODS
Prospective study.


METHODS
District general hospital otolaryngology outpatient clinic.


METHODS
Eighty-seven patients from a general otolaryngology clinic with no laryngeal or pharyngeal symptoms or pathology.


METHODS
The views obtained during indirect laryngoscopy and vocalization of /i:/ ("ee"), /ei/ ("ay"), /[see text]/ ("err"), /a:/ ("ah"), and /eă/ ("air") were graded according to a laryngoscopy grading system.


RESULTS
The greatest number of adequate views of the larynx was achieved by using the sounds /i:/ and /[see text]/. There was no significant difference between /i:/ and /[see text]/ (p = .740), but there were significant differences between /i:/ and /ei/ (p = .019), /i:/ and /a:/ (p = .00000), and /i:/ and /eă/ (p = .00013).


CONCLUSIONS
For the optimal view of the larynx during indirect laryngoscopy, we recommend the use of the sounds /i:/ ("ee") and /[see text]/ ("err").
Draper
Mark R
MR
Department of Otolaryngology, James Paget Hospital, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, England, UK. mark@draperworld.com <mark@draperworld.com>
Blagnys
Barbara
B
Premachandra
Don J
DJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007828:Laryngoscopy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013016:Sound