system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: What happens internally when someone loses their voice (from either overuse or illness)
gpt
Your vocal cords in your throat are controlled by muscles. It's much like like playing a musical instrument.

If you play an instrument too long, your hands can get tired enough that you can barely get any sounds out of the instrument.

Overuse of the instrument can also wear it down over time so that it doesn't sound right. Proper maintainence is needed. Luckily our bodies can self heal with enough rest but excessive use can cause permanent damage.

If you are sick, parts of your throat can get sore or swell. This is like playing an instrument that is not tuned or assembled properly so you can't make the correct sounds.