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:

• Ask questions about your medical history, lifestyle and voice usage

• Ask you to perform some speaking tasks and make some non-speaking sounds

• Use measurements and computer analysis to determine if loudness, pitch and other characteristics are significantly different from others of your gender and age range

• Refer to an ENT who may use special equipment to observe and record the movements of your larynx, or "voice box"

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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. 

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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. 

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SPEAK OUT! 

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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. 

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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.