SARTHAK HEARING CARE BLOG
Parkinson's Disease Can Affect Speech, Voice and Swallowing - How Therapy Can Help
Parkinson's disease is often associated with movement and tremor, but it can also affect speech, voice and swallowing - changes that are sometimes overlooked compared to the condition's more visible symptoms.
How Parkinson's Can Affect Speech
Speech in Parkinson's disease can become softer, more monotone, or less precise, sometimes described as hypokinetic dysarthria, making it harder for others to hear or understand, even when the person feels they are speaking at a normal volume.
Voice Changes in Parkinson's
A weaker or breathier voice, reduced vocal loudness, and reduced vocal variety are common voice-related changes, which can affect confidence in conversations and phone calls.
Swallowing Changes to Watch For
Some people with Parkinson's also experience swallowing changes over time, such as coughing during meals or a feeling of food getting stuck, which is worth discussing with a speech-language therapist alongside the person's neurologist.
What Speech-Language Therapy Can Involve
Therapy approaches for Parkinson's-related speech and voice changes often focus on structured exercises to improve vocal loudness and clarity, alongside swallowing safety strategies where needed, tailored to the individual after an assessment. Our Rishabh Vihar clinic supports adults through this kind of therapy.
Book a Speech, Voice or Swallowing Assessment
If Parkinson's disease has affected speech, voice or swallowing for you or a family member, Dr. Murli Singh and Sarthak Nehra, BASLP, at Sarthak Hearing Care can carry out an assessment. Call: 9625554548 / 9891242568
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ANSWERS FOR PATIENTS & FAMILIES
Parkinson's Disease Can Affect Speech, Voice and Swallowing - How Therapy Can Help FAQs
Does everyone with Parkinson's disease develop speech or swallowing problems?
Not everyone, and changes vary in timing and severity between individuals. An assessment can clarify what, if anything, is currently affected.
Can speech therapy cure Parkinson's-related speech changes?
Speech-language therapy does not treat Parkinson's disease itself, but structured therapy approaches can help manage specific speech, voice or swallowing changes associated with it.
Should I see a neurologist or a speech therapist first?
Parkinson's disease itself is managed by a neurologist. A speech-language therapist works alongside that care specifically for speech, voice and swallowing changes.