The Voice – Mary’s Blog
How to Survive the Black Swan of Parkinson’s diagnosis: a patient perspective
Surviving catastrophic events has been the subject matter taught by chemical engineer John Murphy throughout his extensive career as a risk analyst, consultant, and international lecturer. While working as a risk analyst for several major chemical companies, John...
Voice Aerobics® Travel Pack: voice practice that goes where you go
If you are someone with speech and voice changes due to Parkinson’s or a related diagnosis, and you’ve completed speech therapy, you know the importance of continued daily practice. But practice isn’t always easy, especially when you are on the go. But voice practice...
COVID Recovery Study and Respiratory Muscle Training: Do you qualify?
Mayo Clinic is launching a study in conjunction with PN Medical to investigate the benefits of respiratory muscle training (RMT) using The Breather/Breather Fit and nasal breathing to accelerate recovery from COVID-19: improving COVID-related symptoms, respiratory...
This Feels Too Loud…oh the tricks Parkinson’s plays on you
Hypophonia (low voice volume) is a common speech symptom for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. And, just like some of the motor symptoms which can come on gradually and pre-date a diagnosis, the changes in speech production can also have a subtle onset, hence, the...
How Do Speech Problems in Parkinson’s Affect Communication with Your Spouse?
For the last 5 weeks, I have been conducting a weekly speech class called Speak Easy 4 PD, on behalf of Hope Parkinson Program, a community-based organization serving individuals with PD in SW. Florida. The class has been offered in-person in the past, but this year...
Hi-VOLT® Yields Statistical and Perceptual Improvement in Vocal Intensity for Parkinson’s Patients
The Voice Aerobics Hi-VOLT® voice-activated bracelet was created in 2015, with the goal of providing a simple external feedback tool for Parkinson’s patients (e.g. “speak loud enough to see the light") with resulting increase in vocal intensity. The Hi-VOLT can also...
Aspirating When drinking? Don’t be a Bird Brain
Most birds drink some water every day, but they don’t drink the way we humans do. Their anatomy is obviously quite different from ours, and that includes not having cheeks and lips. With a few exceptions, birds lack the ability to suction liquid into their throats,...
Recycle Your Hi-VOLT® Bracelet
What should I do when my Hi-VOLT® no longer works? At Voice Aerobics, we are trying to be more eco-conscious. When the battery in your Hi-VOLT® light bracelet no longer works, we hope it represents 45 hours of speech and voice practice with a great outcome. When it’s...
Do you have reduced speech clarity due to Parkinson’s? We need your voice!
If you are one of the millions of people worldwide with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, Parkinsonism, MSA, PSP, CBD or essential tremor, YOUR speech and voice could help others. Have you been frustrated when using a voice prompt system that cannot recognize your...
Why Do Some Parkinson’s Patients Fail to Retain Speech Therapy Outcomes?
When meeting a new patient with Parkinson’s disease diagnosis, I will ask if they have received speech therapy in the past and if they answer "yes", I ask if it was helpful. Often patients do report that they participated in a formal program such as LSVT® LOUD or...
Mary Spremulli of Voice Aerobics writes a monthly news article in the “Healthy Body” section of Florida Weekly
- July 2018, Healthy Hearing and Speech, cover story – Healthy Body, “Florida Weekly’s monthly guide for healthy people inside and out”
- July 2018 article – Augmented feedback and skill learning help patients recalibrate
Home Programs & Training:
- Voice Aerobics® – 3-Part Workout
- SpeechVive Device for Persons with Parkinson’s
- Lingraphica® Aphasia Communication Device
- Constant Therapy App for aphasia
- Computerized Home Aphasia Therapy Program (CHAT®)
- Passy-Muir® Tracheostomy and Ventilator Swallowing and Speaking Valve
SpeechVive Device for Persons with Parkinson’s
Ask me about your VA benefit for this device!
SPEAK OUT!® Speech Therapy for Parkinson’s patients
Mary Spremulli is Certified in:
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) Lessac-Madsen Resonant Voice Treatment (LMRVT) Neurodevelopmental Treatment
A Certified Member of 