Indications for Flexible Laryngoscopy Laryngoscopy may be indicated for the evaluation of patients with the following: Chronic cough Chronic throat pain Dysphagia Dysphonia Foreign body in the throat Hoarseness or change in voice Odynophagia Sensation of a lump in the throat Symptoms of aspiration Sometimes hemoptysis In particular, patients at high risk of head and neck cancer (eg, heavy smokers or alcohol users) may benefit from laryngoscopy, especially if they have had hoarseness, sore throat, or ear pain for > 2 weeks.