Which technique uses a stethoscope placed over the thyroid cartilage to amplify sounds during swallowing?

• A. scintigraphy
• B. videofluoroscopy
• C. endoscopy
• D. cervical auscultation

Answer: (D)

Listening to swallowing sounds with a stethoscope placed over the thyroid cartilage is cervical auscultation. By positioning the stethoscope at the laryngeal area, you amplify acoustic events that occur as the bolus moves through the pharynx and as the larynx elevates and protects the airway. Clinicians listen for the timing and quality of these sounds to gauge whether swallowing is proceeding normally or if there might be delays or aspiration risk. This method is a bedside, noninvasive screening tool that can hint at issues and help determine if more definitive testing is needed, but it does not provide visualization or precise measurements like imaging or endoscopy. The other techniques involve imaging or direct visualization and do not rely on listening with a stethoscope over the neck.