Vocal cords open and closed Laryngitis is AN inflammation of your speech organ (larynx) from overuse, irritation or infection. Inside the larynx ar your vocal cords — 2 folds of tissue layer covering muscle and animal tissue.

Normally, your vocal cords open and shut swimmingly, forming sounds through their movement and vibration. But with inflammation, your vocal cords become inflamed or irritated.

This swelling causes distortion of the sounds made by air passing over them. As a result, your voice sounds hoarse.

In some cases of laryngitis, your voice may become  undetectable. Laryngitis could also be small lived (acute) or long lasting (chronic). Most cases of laryngitis are triggered by a temporary viral infection or vocal strain and aren't serious.

Persistent harshness will typically signal a a lot of serious underlying medical condition.