Lee Silverman Voice Treatment uses training loudness as its basis and is administered in a manner consistent with exercise, skill acquisition, and motor learning, with a focus on sensory awareness. These simple treatment elements have not been previously and systematically combined in a speech treatment program for individuals with Parkinson’s disease.

The treatment involves intensive daily training sessions along with family-assisted practice sessions at home and emphasizes high vocal and respiratory (breathing) efforts.

LSVT consists of 4 sessions per week for 4 weeks (16 sessions in a month). Each session lasts 50-60 minutes. The patient is encouraged to “THINK LOUD”. The therapist works with the patient to recalibrate their sense of phonatory effort and loudness.

Most individuals who are eligible for LSVT are those who are physically able, mentally stable, and willing to put forth effort.

Why LSVT works?

Treatment is designed to increase vocal loudness and phonatory effort, resulting in overall speech improvement. LSVT has also shown an impact on swallowing abilities.

Areas of focus include:

• Vocal fold adduction
• Pitch variability
• Speech articulation
• Loudness of speech
• Intelligibility of speech

Patients often report that he/she is too loud, when in fact their voice is considered to be in normal range. Vocal fold closure is promoted by performing a variety of exercises. Patients initiate their voice by making prolonged vowel sounds and performing repeated pitch glides. Therapy progresses from simple to complex tasks.

What to do if you are interested in LSVT?

1. Obtain a prescription from your physician for a speech therapy evaluation and treatment 4 times/week for 4 weeks.
2. Contact an Otolaryngologist (ENT) for a consult to rule out physical problems such as vocal nodules.
3. Contact SLP at Cincinnati Speech Services to have a form sent to the ENT for specific results regarding voice.
4. Schedule the LSVT initial assessment at Cincinnati Speech Services.