The Voice Foundation

A Hands-On Demonstration of Smartphone Stroboscopy

Videostroboscopy is the gold standard for laryngeal imaging among voice care professionals. Typical tertiary medical centers utilize large stroboscopy “towers” that create high-quality laryngeal images but lack portability and affordability. Commercially-available portable units are typically focused on applications in swallowing diagnostics and lack stroboscopy. Though these units are more affordable, they are generally out of financial reach for independent practitioners and researchers. This workshop will focus on the presentation of portable, affordable systems that utilize a smartphone for laryngeal videostroboscopy.

This technology has far-reaching applications in improving access to laryngological care, research, use in education, and the ability to cater to specialty populations, like performers backstage and on tour. The workshop will include a brief review of the literature, regulations and training requirements, and the three basic parts of a videostroboscopy system. The majority of the workshop will be spent on showcasing various smartphone stroboscopy systems, which will include live self-stroboscopy by the presenter.* Comparisons will include commercially-available systems as well as systems currently in development. Live demos will also be compared to videos from traditional “tower” imaging. Participants will be given ample time to ask questions and, time and logistics allowing, the opportunity to try the equipment to scope the presenter.

The presenter has no specific ties to any companies with available products and no specific products will be marketed over others; this workshop is intended to serve as a review and comparison of available technology meant to inspire continued innovation in the field.

*Note: live scoping demonstration is best completed via screen-share on projector for visibility