The sound of your voice is used to make contact with others, convey emotions and create connections. Your voice is a part of your identity. Often, you may be recognized, by the sound of your voice. Everyone needs their voice, particularly those who rely on their voice for their livelihood. This includes teachers, coaches, politicians, actors and singers.
When You Have Dysphonia
Sometimes your ability to produce a clear, strong voice may change. This is called Dysphonia.
Voice problems may be caused by voice misuse and overuse (e.g. from yelling or straining to speak loudly). Disorders may also be associated with:
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Reflux
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Growths on the vocal cords (e.g. nodules, polyps)
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Cancer or surgery
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Allergies or asthma
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Illnesses (e.g. common cold, bronchitis, laryngitis) and medications
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Weakness, paralysis or involuntary movements of the vocal cords due to neurological diseases (e.g. Parkinson’s disease, motor neuron disease)
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When you have dysphonia, you may experience discomfort or fatigue while speaking, and your voice may become:
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A hoarse, breathy, raspy or strained voice
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A raw or aching feeling in your throat
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A need to clear your throat or cough frequently
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Reduced breath support when speaking
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Inability to speak loudly (i.e. decreased volume)
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Reduced pitch range (i.e. lowest to highest sounds) when speaking or singing
If the voice changes don't go away, you should see your physician for an evaluation. Your physician may refer you to an ear, nose and throat physician, who will examine you further and develop a treatment plan. As part of your treatment, you may be referred to a speech-language pathologist for voice therapy.
Voice Evaluation
During your initial evaluation, the speech-language pathologist may:
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Ask questions about your medical history, lifestyle and voice usage
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Ask you to perform some speaking tasks and make some non-speaking sounds
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Use measurements and computer analysis to determine if loudness, pitch and other characteristics are significantly different from others of your gender and age range
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Refer to an ENT who may use special equipment to observe and record the movements of your larynx, or "voice box"
If, after the evaluation, the speech language pathologist determines you may benefit from an individualized plan of care, one will be designed and implemented specifically for you.
Voice Therapy for Parkinson's Disease
As Parkinson’s disease progresses, speaking and swallowing can become affected. SPEAK OUT!® or LSVT-LOUD® strengthens muscles used for speaking and swallowing and emphasizes ways to convert speech from an automatic function to an intentional act.
The speech pathologists at SFS Therapies will work with you, selecting therapies that best meet your individual needs. We have both SPEAK OUT!® and LSVT-LOUD® certified therapists.
SPEAK OUT!
SPEAK OUT!® is a therapy regimen tailored to improve the individual with Parkinson’s voicing, and in turn, their swallowing. In this program, speech is transformed from an automatic function to an intentional task. SPEAK OUT! is usually completed in 12 sessions spanning four weeks, and then the patient transitions to the LOUD Crowd. In this four-week span, patients report improvement in their speaking, their ability to be heard, and their overall quality of life. SFS Therapies will bill your insurance for individual SPEAK OUT! treatment services provided. Please check with your insurance to determine the co-pay or cost associated with these services.
LOUD Crowd, a free service, meets weekly at SFS Therapies or can be virtual through telehealth. Please phone our office to find out about the dates and times that LOUD Crowd meets.
The SPEAK OUT!® & LOUD Crowd therapy regimens were developed at Parkinson Voice Project in Richardson, TX. You can visit their website HERE.
LSVT-LOUD
LSVT-LOUD® is a speech treatment for patients with Parkinson's disease. By stimulating the muscles of the voice box and doing a series of exercises, voice strength and loudness can be improved. The goal is to produce a loud, clear voice with no strain. LSVT-LOUD is usually completed in 12 sessions spanning four weeks.
Hours of Operation
Monday - Thursday - 8AM - 6PM Fridays by Special Arrangement
ADDRESS
1333 North Buffalo Dr. #260
Las Vegas, NV 89128
