Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyParkinsonsTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

My voice gets shaky on the phone (cervical dystonia) and it's sometimes difficult to talk. Not to mention word recall! Any ideas?

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Penrose, CO
April 24
 · 
Reactions
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I just try to talk slowly and distinctly, carefully enunciating each word. In other words talk slow and distinct

April 24
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

My dystonia is in my legs I have trouble sometimes getting a word out I know what I want to say but can't say it it's very frustrating

April 24
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

I'll try and do the Big and Loud exercises but it only seems to work for me now for a short period of time after doing them. I usually just hand the phone to my wife and have her handle it, especially if I'm having a particularly tough time of it.

April 25
MyParkinsonsTeam

A shaky voice and word recall challenges on the phone can be really frustrating — but there are some practical strategies that may help!

Here are some tips to try before and during phone calls:

- Schedule vocal rest before important calls to conserve your voice
- Practice in quiet spaces and make sure the listener can see Show Full Answer

A shaky voice and word recall challenges on the phone can be really frustrating — but there are some practical strategies that may help!

Here are some tips to try before and during phone calls:

- Schedule vocal rest before important calls to conserve your voice
- Practice in quiet spaces and make sure the listener can see your face when possible (video calls can help!)
- Speak in short phrases rather than long sentences to avoid running out of breath
- Use voice command features on your smartphone so you're doing less physical typing
- Try vocal exercises daily to help maintain voice strength Working with a speech-language pathologist is one of the most effective steps. They can recommend targeted exercises and communication tools like personal amplifiers or apps that boost voice volume.

The LSVT LOUD program is a well-regarded speech therapy option. A MyParkinsonsTeam member shared, "I completed LSVT LOUD six months ago. So far, I have maintained my voice control. I highly recommend it." The key is consistent daily practice to maintain results.

Starting speech therapy early tends to produce better long-term outcomes, so it's worth bringing this up with your neurologist soon!

April 24
A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

Thank you for your input. I will try the suggestions!

April 25

Related Questions

View All

Best phone for someone with Parkinson's.

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Mesa, AZ
July 24, 2023

Memory problems.

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
Boston, MA
March 1, 2017 (edited)

Dyskinesia vs. Dystonia: Understanding the Difference (VIDEO)
8 Tips for Using a Cell Phone With Parkinson’s
Parkinson’s Voice Changes: Dysarthria, Loudness Exercises, and More
Continue with Facebook
Continue with Google
By joining, you accept our Terms of Use, and acknowledge our collection, sharing, and use of your data in accordance with our Health Data and Privacy policies.
Already a member? Log In