SPEAK OUT! & Loud Crowd

What are SPEAK OUT! and Loud Crowd?

SPEAK OUT! is a therapy program tailored to people with Parkinson’s disease to improve their voicing, and in turn, their swallowing.  SPEAK OUT! is usually completed in 8-12 sessions spanning four weeks, with the transition to the Loud Crowd. In this four-week span, clients report improvement in their speaking, their ability to be heard, and their overall quality of life.  Participation in the Loud Crowd is voluntary, providing carryover and maintenance services to ensure ongoing success.

The SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd therapy programs were developed at Parkinson Voice Project in Richardson, TX. You can visit their website online.

When and where can I receive services?

SPEAK OUT! is offered in one to one therapy sessions through the Ohio University Hearing Speech and Language Clinic with a prescription from your physician. Sessions can be held in person or via telehealth.  Our Speech Language Pathologists are trained providers of the SPEAK OUT! And Loud Crowd programs.

I have Parkinson’s Disease. When should I begin seeing a speech-language pathologist?

According to studies, up to 89% of people with Parkinson’s disease develop difficulty communicating and up to 95% develop difficulty swallowing. To postpone and prevent this decline, it is optimal to begin speech therapy as soon as possible. Participation in SPEAK OUT! & LOUD Crowd can change the effects that Parkinson’s disease has on your voice. Muscles become weak because they are not used to their full capacity, not because Parkinson’s is making them weak. SPEAK OUT! & Loud Crowd require you to use the muscles for speaking and swallowing to their full potential.

What costs are associated with these services?

The Hearing, Speech and Language Clinic will bill your insurance for SPEAK OUT! treatment services provided. Please check with your insurance to determine the co-pay or cost associated with these services.