The LSVT (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment®)

Banner Good Samaritan Rehabilitation Institute
1012 E. Willetta
Phoenix, AZ 85006
(602) 839-2317

Approximately 75-89 percent of individuals with Parkinson disease (PD) experience problems with their speech and voice.

Symptoms include reduced vocal loudness, flat-pitch, hoarse voice, and mumbled/slurred speech.

People with Parkinson’s may not be aware their speech is getting softer and they are more difficult to understand. This can dramatically affect their ability to communicate with family and friends.

Can you improve voice and speech with PD?
Medications and surgery have limited or no beneficial effects on voice and speech. Through 15 years of research, an effective voice and speech treatment was developed specifically for individuals with Parkinson’s disease called the LSVT® (Lee Silverman Voice Treatment).  LSVT has also helped patients with other neurological disorders including stroke, Down’s syndrome, cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis.

The LSVT is an individually administered, four-week treatment program. It is designed to train increased vocal loudness and teach the patient to speak at normal loudness levels. At Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, we have several certified LSVT clinicians who are highly experienced in the LSVT and treating Parkinson’s disease.

In addition to increased vocal loudness and improved functional communication, preliminary research indicates improvements in swallowing, brain function (PET/MRI studies) and facial expression after the LSVT.

How do I get LSVT?
If you are experiencing any changes in your speech or voice, or would like to learn techniques to help maintain your voice and speech, ask your doctor for a referral for LSVT speech therapy. It is best if the physician can write a prescription for, “Speech evaluation with laryngeal video stroboscopy examination (LVSE) and treatment utilizing the LSVT.” The LVSE is a technique used to visualize the vocal folds to assess their structure and function. This is important and essential prior to beginning any voice therapy.

LSVT has been successfully reimbursed by many insurance providers and Medicare. Insurance plans can vary so it is best to check with your insurance about the benefits of your policy.

How do you schedule a video stroboscopy exam?
Your physician’s office must submit a written prescription and diagnosis documenting the procedure. The physician’s office may also need to obtain insurance authorization for patients. The prescription can be faxed to (602) 839-6200 to schedule the procedure. Our schedulers will contact the patient to schedule an appointment date/time.