Changes in your voice can be a sign of anything from a cold to acid reflux, throat cancer or vocal cord paralysis, University of Michigan vocal health specialist Dr. Norman D. Hogikyan says in a news release.

Most voice changes are temporary, but people who notice prolonged voice changes that last more than a few weeks should see a doctor.

If throat cancer is caught early, there's a good chance it can be cured without the need for extensive treatment. But if it's caught later, there's less chance of curing throat cancer and it often requires more drastic treatment, including possible removal of the voice box.

Hogikyan offers the following advice on how you can keep your voice healthy:

• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine. A proper water balance helps keep your vocal cords lubricated.
• Don't smoke. It greatly increases the risk of throat cancer, and smoke (even secondhand smoke) irritates the vocal cords.
• Don't abuse or misuse your voice. Don't yell or scream and try not to talk loudly in noisy areas. If your throat feels dry and tired or your voice is getting hoarse, stop talking. Don't alter your voice to speak in a pitch that's higher or lower than normal.
• Don't clear your throat too often. Clearing your throat is like slamming your vocal cords together. Doing it too often can damage your vocal cords. Instead of clearing your throat, take a sip of water or swallow. If you feel you have to clear your throat a lot, get checked for a reflux disease, allergy or sinus conditions.
• Don't talk when you're hoarse because of a cold or infection.

More information

Here's where you can find information about how to protect your voice and recognize problems.