Struggling to Speak in Noisy Places? Here’s What Can Help

Struggling to Speak in Noisy Places? Here’s What Can Help

Have you ever been in a café or restaurant and found it hard to speak up?
Maybe you feel like no one can hear you… or you’re tired of repeating yourself.

If you have Parkinson’s, a brain injury, or another neurological condition, speaking in noisy places can feel impossible.
You might even start avoiding social situations altogether.

But you don’t have to.

Let’s look at why this happens – and what you can do to make communication easier and more confident again.

Why Is Speaking in Noise So Difficult?

Busy places like cafés, pubs, or family gatherings are full of background noise.
This makes it harder for everyone to hear – but especially if your voice has changed due to a medical condition.

You may find:

• Your voice gets quieter or more breathy.

• It’s hard to keep up with fast conversations.

• People talk over you or speak to your partner instead.

• You lose confidence and feel left out.

These problems are common for people with:

• Parkinson’s Disease

• Multiple Sclerosis

• Stroke or Brain Injury

• Motor Neuron Disease (MND)

• Functional Neurological Disorder

The good news? There are things that can help.

Small Changes That Make a Big Difference

Here are some practical strategies to try right away:

✅ Choose the Right Environment

• Sit away from speakers or noisy kitchens.

• Choose smaller tables in quiet corners.

• Ask for a seat near a wall – it helps block background noise.

✅ Get the Listener’s Attention First

• Make eye contact before you speak.

• Say the person’s name or gently tap their arm.

• This helps them focus on you, not the noise.

✅ Speak Slowly and Clearly

• Take a breath before you start.

• Speak at a steady pace – not too fast.

• Pause often to let your words land.

✅ Use Gestures or Visuals

• Point to a menu or object if you're struggling to say the word.

• Use your hands or facial expressions to support your message.

✅ Limit Distractions

• Turn off background music if you're at home.

• In group settings, speak to one person at a time.

Therapy Can Help You Be Heard

You might feel like your voice has simply faded over time…
But did you know therapy can strengthen your voice and help you speak with more clarity and volume?

One highly effective therapy is LSVT LOUD®, designed specifically for people with Parkinson’s.
It helps you:

• Speak louder without straining

• Be better understood in noisy places

• Regain confidence to speak up

Therapy also includes personalised techniques to help you:

• Keep your voice strong

• Plan what to say when you’re nervous

• Navigate busy conversations with more ease

Even if you’ve had speech therapy before, you might not have received this type of targeted support.

“I Just Want to Be Heard Again”

If you’ve found yourself thinking:

• “People talk over me.”

• “No one hears me in restaurants anymore.”

• “I feel embarrassed in noisy places.”

You’re not alone.

Many clients say the same thing before they start therapy.
But with the right support, your voice can improve – and so can your confidence.