Laryngitis occurs when the part of the throat called the larynx becomes inflamed. When this happens, it causes a severe hoarseness that can make your voice "croak" or have to whisper when you talk. It can even lead to temporary loss of your voice.
The inflammation is quite common and is really a symptom that's been caused by some other factor or condition. Yelling too enthusiastically at a hockey game can cause it, but so can viral and bacterial infections or other illnesses. Finding out the real cause of laryngitis is an important part of getting your voice back. There are two types of laryngitis: acute and chronic.