Assessment of Laryngeal Sensory Function using a Tactile Aesthesiometer in Healthy Adults

Abstract

IntroductionLaryngeal sensory function in healthy adults was assessed through the delivery of tactile stimuli using Cheung–Bearelly monofilaments.Methods37 healthy adults were recruited with 340 tactile stimuli analyzed. Four calibrated tactile stimuli were delivered to three laryngeal sites: false vocal fold (FVF), aryepiglottic fold (AEF), and lateral pyriform sinus (LPS). Primary outcome was the elicitation of laryngeal adductor reflex (LAR). Secondary outcomes were gag, patient‐reported laryngeal sensation (PRLS), and perceptual strength. Analysis was performed with mixed effects logistic regression modeling.ResultsPositive LAR was observed in 35.7%, 70.2%, and 91.2% of stimuli at LPS, AEF, and FVF respectively. LAR rates were significantly associated with laryngopharyngeal subsite (p < 0.001), tactile force (p = 0.001), age (p = 0.022) and sex (p = 0.022). LAR, gag, PRLS, and perceptual strength significantly increased as a more medial laryngeal subsite was stimulated and as stimulus force increased. Each of the ten years of age increase was associated with 19% reduction in odds of LAR (aOR = 0.81, 95% CI [0.68, 0.97]; p = 0.022). Male gender was associated with a 55% reduction in odds of LAR (aOR = 0.45, 95% CI [0.23, 0.89]; p = 0.022).ConclusionLAR elicitation capability decreases in the male gender, aging, and a more lateral subsite. This study provides insight into the pathophysiology of hypo‐ and hyper‐sensitive laryngeal disorders and is paramount to making accurate diagnostic assessments and finding novel treatment options for various laryngological disorders. Laryngoscope, 133:2525–2532, 2023