Speech and voice changes are a known symptom of Idiopathic Parkinson’s disease (PD). Vocal quality is often characterized as weak in intensity (loudness), and speech is often described as monotone (boring), occasionally too fast, and at times accompanied by other symptoms such as hoarseness or raspiness. Most of these changes in speech and voice come on gradually, leaving the person with PD believing that there speech has not changed at all.
Researcher with the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment ®(LSVT) organization have published a number of studies discussing and describing the changes in speech and voice that occur in Parkinson’s, and these researchers have also described the deficit in sensory processing related to speech, which causes individuals to not be able to accurately judge their level of loudness.
Over many years of providing speech and voice therapy to patients with Parkinson’s, I have developed a metaphor of my own to help patients understand and acknowledge the deficits that contribute to poor voice. I tell patients “you have a broken voice speedometer”, and you no longer have reliable feedback as to the loudness of your voice.” Although I have been driving for over 30 years, I am not convinced that if the speedometer in my car was broken, that I would accurately judge the speed limit. If going too slow, other drivers would honk at me, and if going too fast, well…you know that outcome. So, when you have voice changes related to your PD, you need a better, and more reliable method of feedback. A small, hand held digital sound level meter (SLM) can be useful, not only during speech practice, but at other times during the day to help monitor your target loudness.
I often videotape patients during our first visit , and utilize various methods to help demonstrate rather quickly what better speech and voice is possible. Viewing the video usually provides patients with quick feedback and a concrete goal for their “best” performance.
When driving, you have learned to keep your eyes on the road, while at the same time, from time to time looking at your speedometer. Likewise, with practice, you may be able to better maintain target voice during conversation, glancing from time to time at your sound level meter to keep your voice” in the zone”
Information for purchasing a Mini Digital Sound Level Meter can be found in the Links section of: www.voiceaerobicsdvd.com
If you want to watch a video of Kate Kelsall , blogger, Shake, Rattle and Roll, during one of our coaching sessions,
go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-HfkQK4dnY
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