Do You have Difficulty Speaking? (Part 2)

[Dagmar Munn]

My own difficulties speaking began somewhere in the summer of 2014. ALS-related dysarthria, as it is officially known, is a slurred, slow speech with a nasal tone and imprecise pronunciation of consonants. It occurs in 80% of all ALS patients.

My dysarthria wasn’t so bad… well, sort of. For instance, I knew that when I concentrated on proper breathing, pronunciation others could understand me. Well… sort of. But my words kept coming out slower than I was thinking them, my tongue felt thick and I ran out of air.

While there are many assistive devices and software that can replace your voice; or speak for you – – there also are techniques you can learn to do right now that will extend the use of your voice. These include: using a higher pitch, moving articulations to the front of my mouth and breathing-from-the-belly when speaking.

I’ve shared my experiences in several columns plus a few tips and resources:

• https://alsnewstoday.com/2018/02/09/als-learning-how-to-speak-breathe-with-ease/
• https://alsandwellness.blogspot.com/2018/03/als-dysarthria-use-these-innovative.html
• https://alsnewstoday.com/2017/10/31/lessons-learned-from-echo-show/
• https://alsnewstoday.com/2017/12/05/als-dysarthria-led-me-to-join-boogie-board-club/

Are you experiencing difficulty speaking? What has helped you? Let’s talk about “talking!”

[John Russell]

Next month marks 5 yrs. Since diagnosis. As mentioned by others, I began to worry about speech months ago. My wife an some close friends, when asked, insisted there detected nothing. This past wknd we attend 2 large parties & I had to talk over loud music and other voices. I knew I was having trouble enunciating, particularly lisping. When we got home I asked my wife if she noticed. She tearfully replied “yes”. I plan to fight and try some or Dagmar’s technique. Hope I can keep being understood. Social interaction is the best part of life for me now.

[Dagmar Munn]

I’ve learned that I can no longer compete with crowds, noisy restaurants and lots of people talking at the same time. And that’s OK.

John, don’t give up! Be willing to speak slower; take your time to form the words. Breathe. I am happy to help with tips and ideas 🙂

[John Russell]

Thank you Dagmar. I new you would be there as I begin dealing with yet another “new normal”.

[Susan Hoerber]

YES HARDER FOR PEOPLE TO UNDERSTAND ME/..USE VOICE AMPLIFIER .

[Dagmar Munn]

Susan, would you mind sharing what kind of/or what brand of voice amplifier you use? Thank you!

[Author]

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