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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.

I am losing my voice is that apart of pd?

A MyParkinsonsTeam Member asked a question 💭
113 Laurel wood dr. Pulaski, VA. 24301

I will not be able to talk, is that correct?

August 13
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A MyParkinsonsTeam Member

A softer, weaker, or hoarse voice can be part of Parkinson’s. The disease can affect breath support and the muscles of the mouth, throat, and voice box, just as it affects movement elsewhere in the body. Sometimes the person does not realize how quiet their voice has become.

That does not mean you will necessarily lose your ability to talk. Speech changes affect everyone differently, and therapy can often help strengthen the voice and make speech clearer. Tell your neurologist and ask for a referral to a speech-language pathologist who has experience with Parkinson’s. Programs such as LSVT LOUD and SPEAK OUT! are designed specifically for Parkinson’s-related voice problems.

Because voice changes can also have causes unrelated to Parkinson’s, your doctor may want an ear, nose, and throat specialist to examine your vocal cords, especially if the change is sudden, painful, or comes with persistent hoarseness.

Please don’t wait until people can barely hear you. The earlier you have your voice evaluated and begin working on it, the better chance you have of keeping your communication strong. Make sure you go see your doctor.

August 13
MyParkinsonsTeam

Voice and speech changes are very common with Parkinson's — between 75% and 90% of people will experience some form of speech difficulty. It can feel frustrating and isolating, but there are real ways to manage it.

Common speech changes include
- A quieter or breathier voice
- Monotone or flat-sounding speech
- Mumbling Show Full Answer

Voice and speech changes are very common with Parkinson's — between 75% and 90% of people will experience some form of speech difficulty. It can feel frustrating and isolating, but there are real ways to manage it.

Common speech changes include:
- A quieter or breathier voice
- Monotone or flat-sounding speech
- Mumbling or slurring words
- Voice that gets thinner as the day goes on
- Stuttering or stammering

As one MyParkinsonsTeam member shared, "My voice gets thinner and softer as the day wears on." These changes are often caused by a condition called dysarthria, where the muscles used for speech become weak or harder to control. There are two main types linked to Parkinson's:

- Hypokinetic dysarthria — caused by weak muscle control, leading to quiet, flat, or raspy speech
- Hyperkinetic dysarthria — less common, caused by involuntary muscle movements that make speech sound jerky or uneven Speech therapy is considered the best treatment. Starting early tends to produce better results. One well-known program is LSVT LOUD, which helps people speak louder and more clearly. Members who've tried it say consistency is key — think of it like learning a new language: use it or lose it!

Other helpful strategies include:
- Breathing exercises (like diaphragmatic breathing)
- Scheduling vocal rest before important conversations
- Speaking in short phrases rather than long sentences
- Meeting people in quieter spaces
- Facing the person you're speaking with so they can read your lips There are also assistive tools worth exploring:

- SpeechVive earpiece — can help increase speech volume
- Personal amplifiers — make speech easier for others to hear
- Text-to-speech apps and devices — offer alternative ways to communicate

Talking to a neurologist or doctor about a referral to a speech-language pathologist is a great first step toward finding what works best.

August 13

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