Speech scientist offers tips for preserving your voice this winter

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Winter is almost here and with it comes colder, drier temperatures that can put a strain on our vocal cords if we’re not careful. 

News 8 spoke with Preeti Sivasankar, Ph.D., speech scientist at Purdue University, about the importance of hydration and humidifiers, both of which keep the vocal folds moist. She also discussed the difference between speaking “bigger” versus speaking “louder” and why the former helps our voice box remain healthy and intact. 

News 8’s medical reporter, Dr. Mary Elizabeth Gillis, D.Ed., is a classically trained medical physiologist and biobehavioral research scientist. She has been a health, medical and science reporter for over 5 years. Her work has been featured in national media outlets. You can follow her on Instagram @reportergillis and Facebook @DrMaryGillis.