Abby Barnes, M.S., CCC-SLP
People with Parkinson’s disease often experience changes to their voice that make it harder to talk with others. These voice problems can impact the ability to communicate and connect with other people, affecting relationships and overall quality of life.
The good news is that if Parkinson’s is affecting your voice, speech therapy is an effective treatment. This article explains how voice therapy can help and how to find a speech therapist for Parkinson’s.
Looking for a speech therapist?
We offer personalized, 1-on-1 sessions at a time that fits your schedule. Learn more during a free 15-minute call with one of our specialists.
Free consultationHow does Parkinson’s affect your voice?
In order to have a strong, clear voice, the muscles controlling your mouth and vocal folds need to be working correctly. Parkinson’s is a neurological disease that affects the nerves that support these muscles. Because of this, many people with Parkinson’s have difficulty producing a strong voice.
Symptoms of voice problems due to Parkinson’s disease often include:
Having a breathy voice
Speaking quietly
Speaking slowly
Tremor in the voice
Slurred or mumbled speech
Difficulty being understood or heard by others
Speaking in a monotone voice
If Parkinson’s is affecting your voice, you might have challenges like these:
Feeling like you have to strain your voice to be heard
Being asked to repeat yourself frequently
Feeling like you’re running out of breath while speaking
Difficulty taking part in conversation
What is voice therapy for Parkinson’s?
Speech therapists are licensed healthcare professionals trained in treating voice disorders. Your speech therapist will perform an evaluation to holistically assess your communication skills. In addition to voice, speech therapists may also assess speech production, cognitive challenges, and swallowing function.
If voice problems are identified, there are a number of treatment approaches. There is no one “cookie cutter” type of voice therapy that fits everyone. Your therapist will create a care plan with goals that best serve your needs.
Treatment approaches for voice problems in Parkinson’s
SPEAK OUT! is an evidenced-based approach developed by the Parkinson Voice Project. It aims to help people learn to “speak with intent.” It’s believed that speaking intently and with purpose will naturally help make a person's voice louder and clearer.
Another evidenced-based speech and voice treatment for Parkinson’s is Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) LOUD. The goal of LSVT LOUD is to train people with Parkinson’s to speak louder, at a normal intensity, while keeping a good voice quality.
Speech therapists undergo specific training to become certified in SPEAK OUT! and LSVT LOUD.
There are other types of voice therapy for Parkinson’s disease that do not solely rely on these two programs. Your speech therapist can recommend voice exercises specific to your vocal needs. They can also help you make simple changes in how you speak, or in your environment, to help you be more easily understood.
Support for voice changes due to Parkinson’s
Your speech therapist may suggest compensatory strategies that help you adapt to your vocal changes. These may include things like:
Speaking slowly and clearly, which can automatically improve how easily you are understood.
Making sure you’re looking at your conversation partner and they’re looking at you. This can greatly impact how well others understand you.
Speaking in shorter, more direct phrases and sentences rather than longer sentences.
Decreasing competing distractions in your environment, like a loud TV or radio.
Your speech therapist can help you use other ways of communicating when necessary. These might include writing, using your phone or computer to type your message, or using gestures.
Your caregivers and communication partners can also get training to better support you. For example, your speech therapist may suggest that they restate what they heard in order to clarify or confirm your message.
Sign up for a consult call with one of our specialists today
Schedule a free consultationHow do you know it’s time to see a speech therapist for your voice?
If you have any changes in your voice, you should contact a speech therapist. Even if you suspect there might be voice changes but you’re not sure, it’s still a good idea to find a speech therapist.
Many experts recommend starting voice exercises even before you notice any vocal changes.
The sooner you start speech therapy, the sooner you can start learning voice exercises for Parkinson’s. This can help prevent your voice changes from potentially becoming worse. You’ll be able to communicate better in daily situations, and you’ll feel less frustrated when talking with others. In fact, many experts recommend starting voice exercises even before you notice any vocal changes.
Your speech therapist will also be able to determine your baseline vocal abilities and keep track of how your voice is progressing over time.
How long is voice therapy for Parkinson’s?
Every person will spend a different amount of time in therapy. Some may need voice therapy a few times a week, then wean down slowly. Others may go to therapy sessions only as needed.
Your speech therapist will give you vocal exercises to do at home between sessions. This important “homework” will help you progress as quickly as possible. Practicing exercises at home helps train your voice muscles to become stronger. The more you follow your speech therapist’s recommendations, the faster you can see results!
How to find a speech therapist for voice problems
Expressable is a national online speech therapy practice with more than 150 licensed speech therapists. Getting started with Expressable involves a brief consultation call. You’ll talk with a specialist to determine the right next steps, including a speech evaluation.
Expressable works with thousands of people across the country to treat a range of communication issues, including Parkinson’s disease. Clients appreciate the quality and personalization of the care they receive, as well as the convenience of receiving speech therapy at home, at a time that works with their schedule.
How is voice treatment done in online speech therapy?
In online speech therapy, you meet face-to-face with your therapist using a video conferencing platform like Zoom on your computer or tablet. You can see your therapist, they can see you, and they will lead you through vocal exercises as you practice together.
Loved ones and caregivers are encouraged to attend sessions with you. This allows everyone to get involved and to better understand the exercises or any caregiver training needed. As a result, your caregivers will be better equipped to help you practice between sessions. And because therapy is online, they can attend from wherever they are.
Reach out to Expressable today
If you’re noticing any signs of voice difficulties, please contact Expressable to set up a free consultation call. With the right treatment and support, you can more easily connect and communicate with others.
