Egophony

How to Perform

Using the diaphragm of the stethoscope directly on the skin, listen over symmetric upper, middle, and lower posterior lung fields while the patient repeatedly says “E.” Compare the transmitted voice sounds side to side at each level, and assess additional areas as clinically indicated. Normally, the “E” is heard as a muffled “E.” Egophony is present when the sound becomes louder and takes on a nasal, bleating “A” quality (the E-to-A change).

How to Interpret