Whispered Pectoriloquy

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 whispers a phrase such as “one-two-three.” Compare the transmitted voice sounds side to side at each level, and assess additional areas as clinically indicated. Normally, the whispered words are faint and indistinct. Whispered pectoriloquy is present when the whispered words are heard clearly and distinctly.

How to Interpret