| The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of topical anesthesia (benzocaine) on secretions in the larynx. Specifically, the study assessed whether the routine application of topical anesthesia (1) changes the amount of either “pooling” or “balling” of secretions in the larynx, and (2) varies in its effects on secretions across healthy subjects and subjects with phonotrauma. Twenty pre-menopausal adults females, ages 20–43 yr, participated, 10 with phonotrauma and 10 with healthy larynges. Each subject's larynx was examined on two consecutive days using a rigid endoscope and stroboscopy. Anesthesia was administered on one day and a placebo was administered on another day, counterbalancing treatment order across subjects. Three uninformed judges later rated the quantity of pooling and balling on a 3-point ordinal scale (0 = normal, 1 = slightly remarkable, 2 = remarkable) from digital recordings. The results showed that secretions were indeed modulated by the experimental manipulations. Specifically, although isolated treatment effects were not detected, recurring influences were found of treatment order (placebo first versus anesthesia first) on secretions. Finally, overall, more subjects with pathology showed balling as compared with healthy subjects. Discussion focuses on possible explanations for the data, including arousal factors. |
