Aging affects so many parts of our health, and our voice is no exception. Have you ever noticed someone’s voice getting softer or raspier as they get older? It happens because we lose muscle mass over time—including in our vocal cords. Just like any other muscle in our body, if we don’t use it, we lose it. This can make speech sound weaker, quieter, and a little more strained. And for people with Parkinson’s disease, these changes can be even more noticeable. The good news? There are ways to strengthen your voice and keep communication clear and strong.

So how does our voice actually work? It’s pretty simple—air passes through the vocal cords, making them vibrate to produce sound. But as those cords weaken with age, they don’t close as tightly, leading to that breathy or raspy quality. If you have Parkinson’s, there’s another layer to this. The disease reduces dopamine, a chemical that helps control muscle movement, making it harder to speak at a normal volume. Many people with Parkinson’s feel like they’re speaking as loudly as they always have, even when their voice has actually gotten much softer. That can be frustrating for both them and the people around them.

Here’s where speech therapy comes in. Two of the most effective programs for Parkinson’s-related voice issues are LSVT Loud and Speak Out. Both take an intensive, “boot camp” approach to retraining the voice. LSVT Loud focuses on strengthening vocal power through exercises like holding long, loud vowels, doing vocal glides, and increasing range. Speak Out takes a similar approach but incorporates more real-life conversations, making it more functional for everyday speaking. No matter which one you choose, the key is regular, consistent practice.

Just like we go to the gym to keep our bodies strong, we need to work out our voices too. You don’t have to be in therapy to start working on your voice, though. There are simple things you can do every day to keep your voice strong. Have you ever tried reading out loud with extra enthusiasm? It’s a great way to engage your vocal cords. Another easy trick? Narrate what you’re doing while driving or cooking—talking to yourself might feel silly, but it keeps those muscles active! You can also make it a habit to read something out loud daily, like a devotional, an article, or even a letter from a friend.

Research backs up the power of these therapies. A study in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research found that people who completed LSVT Loud significantly improved their vocal loudness and articulation. That means with the right approach, you can absolutely strengthen your voice and make speaking easier.

Your voice is such a big part of who you are—don’t let aging or Parkinson’s take that away from you. By taking simple steps and staying consistent, you can keep your voice strong and communicate with confidence. If you or someone you love is noticing changes in their voice, consider seeing a speech-language pathologist. A little effort now can make a big difference in maintaining clear, strong speech for years to come!

Learn more by watching my full interview with Siobhan Groves, SLP, on YouTube.