If you have Parkinson’s disease, you may have noticed that your voice isn’t as strong as it used to be. Perhaps family members frequently ask you to repeat yourself, or you find it harder to be heard during conversations.
You may have heard about LSVT LOUD, a specialized speech therapy program designed to help people with Parkinson’s disease improve their voice and communication.
But what if attending therapy in person isn’t convenient? Can you really receive the same specialized treatment from home?
Online LSVT LOUD therapy may be an excellent option, but how do you know if it’s right for you?
Before getting started, here are seven important questions to consider.
1. Am I a good candidate for Online LSVT LOUD therapy?
LSVT LOUD is designed to address speech and voice changes associated with Parkinson’s disease, particularly reduced vocal loudness.
You may benefit from an evaluation if you’ve noticed:
- Your voice has become softer.
- People frequently ask you to repeat yourself.
- You have difficulty being heard on the telephone.
- Your speech sounds less expressive or more monotone.
- Conversations have become more tiring or frustrating.
- You avoid participating in conversations because others have difficulty hearing you.
However, not everyone with Parkinson’s disease needs the same type of speech therapy.
A speech and voice evaluation can help determine whether LSVT LOUD is an appropriate treatment for your individual communication needs.
2. What if I’ve Had Parkinson’s Disease for Several Years?
It’s a common misconception that speech therapy is only helpful during the early stages of Parkinson’s disease.
Although early evaluation and treatment are encouraged, individuals who have been living with Parkinson’s for several years may also benefit from therapy.
The important consideration isn’t simply how long you’ve had Parkinson’s. Your current speech and voice abilities, overall health, and treatment goals all play a role in determining whether LSVT LOUD is appropriate.
If you’ve noticed that your voice has become progressively softer or that communicating requires more effort, it may be worth exploring your options.
It’s never a bad time to ask whether speech therapy could help you communicate more effectively.
3. What if I’m Not Comfortable With Technology?
You don’t need to be particularly comfortable with computers to explore online speech therapy.
For most online LSVT LOUD appointments, you’ll need a computer or tablet with a camera and microphone, a reliable internet connection, and a quiet space where you can participate.
Your speech therapist can help you understand what you’ll need before treatment begins.
If you’re not comfortable setting up the technology yourself, a family member or caregiver may be able to assist.
In fact, having a caregiver involved can sometimes provide additional support with home practice and communication goals.
The goal is to make technology a helpful part of your treatment, not another source of stress.
4. How Will I Know if Online Therapy Is Appropriate for Me?
Online therapy is convenient, but convenience alone doesn’t determine whether it’s the best treatment option.
Before starting LSVT LOUD, your speech therapist should evaluate your voice and communication abilities.
This evaluation helps identify the changes you’re experiencing, your personal goals, and whether the treatment program is appropriate.
Your therapist may also consider your hearing, vision, ability to follow instructions, comfort with technology, and whether you can participate in the required exercises.
Some individuals may benefit from an in person evaluation, additional medical consultation, or a different therapy approach.
The most important consideration is finding a treatment plan that meets your individual needs.
5. Can I Manage the Intensive LSVT LOUD Schedule?
One of the defining features of LSVT LOUD is its intensive treatment schedule.
The standard program includes 16 individual therapy sessions over four consecutive weeks, along with daily home practice.
This schedule is an important part of the treatment approach.
For some people, traveling to a clinic four times a week can be challenging, particularly when dealing with fatigue, mobility difficulties, or transportation limitations.
Online therapy may help remove some of these barriers.
However, you’ll still need to set aside time for appointments and home exercises.
Before beginning, it’s helpful to consider your schedule, energy levels, and whether you’ll have support at home if needed.
Your therapist can discuss the treatment requirements with you so that you understand the commitment involved.
6. What if I’m Not Sure Whether LSVT LOUD or SPEAK OUT! Is Better for Me?
You may have heard about another Parkinson’s speech therapy program called SPEAK OUT!
Both LSVT LOUD and SPEAK OUT! are specialized treatment approaches designed to address communication changes associated with Parkinson’s disease.
However, the programs use different treatment methods and structures.
LSVT LOUD emphasizes increasing vocal loudness and recalibrating how you perceive the effort needed to speak at an appropriate volume.
SPEAK OUT! emphasizes speaking with intent and uses structured exercises to support more deliberate communication.
Both approaches may be beneficial for appropriate patients.
The decision about which program to pursue should be based on your communication needs, treatment goals, and clinical evaluation.
At Vital Voice and Speech, Monica Vital is certified in both LSVT LOUD and SPEAK OUT!, allowing patients to explore treatment options with a clinician experienced in both approaches.
You don’t need to know which program is right for you before reaching out for help.
7. How Do I Get Started With Online LSVT LOUD Therapy?
If you’re considering online LSVT LOUD therapy, the first step is to discuss your communication concerns with a qualified speech language pathologist.
An individualized evaluation can help identify your voice and speech difficulties and determine whether LSVT LOUD is an appropriate option.
You can also ask questions about the treatment schedule, online appointments, insurance, and what to expect during therapy.
At Vital Voice and Speech, we provide specialized online speech therapy for adults with Parkinson’s disease throughout Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia.
Our goal is to make specialized treatment accessible while providing individualized care that focuses on the communication activities that matter most to you.
Your Voice Matters. Let’s Help You Stay Connected.
Living with Parkinson’s disease can bring changes to your voice, but those changes don’t have to go unaddressed.
Whether you’re having difficulty being heard at home, participating in family conversations, or speaking comfortably in social situations, a speech and voice evaluation can help you understand your options.
At Vital Voice and Speech, we specialize in helping adults with Parkinson’s disease communicate with greater confidence.
Monica Vital, founder of Vital Voice and Speech, has over 20 years of experience as a medical speech language pathologist and is certified in both LSVT LOUD and SPEAK OUT!
We provide individualized online speech therapy to adults in Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia, as well as in person services in Miami, Florida.
Ready to Find Out if Online LSVT LOUD Therapy Is Right for You?
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Schedule a consultation with Vital Voice and Speech to discuss your concerns, ask questions, and explore the next step toward stronger communication.
Ready to Explore Your Speech Therapy Options?
Vital Voice and Speech provides individualized online Parkinson’s speech and voice therapy to adults in Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia.
Please note: Online therapy appointments are currently available only to patients physically located in these three states at the time of their sessions.
Schedule a Consultation With Vital Voice and Speech
We look forward to helping you make the most of your voice.
About the Author
Monica Vital, Speech Language Pathologist
Monica Vital is the founder of Vital Voice and Speech and has over 20 years of experience working with adults with neurological speech, voice, and communication disorders.
She is certified in LSVT LOUD and SPEAK OUT! and specializes in helping individuals with Parkinson’s disease improve their communication skills through individualized, evidence based treatment.
This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for an individualized medical or speech therapy evaluation.
