<Tr> <Th> MeSH </Th> <Td> D055154 </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> (edit on Wikidata) </Td> </Tr> <P> A hoarse voice, also known as hoarseness or dysphonia, is when the voice involuntarily sounds breathy, raspy, or strained, or is softer in volume or lower in pitch . It can be associated with a feeling of unease or scratchiness in the throat . Hoarseness is often a symptom of problems in the vocal folds of the larynx . It may be caused by laryngitis, which in turn may be caused by an upper respiratory infection, a cold, or allergies . Cheering at sporting events, speaking loudly in noisy situations, talking for too long without resting one's voice, singing loudly, or speaking with a voice that's too high or too low can also cause temporary hoarseness . A number of other causes for losing one's voice exist, and treatment is generally by resting the voice and treating the underlying cause . If the cause is misuse or overuse of the voice drinking plenty of water may alleviate the problems . </P> <P> It appears to occur more commonly in females and the elderly . Furthermore, certain occupational groups, such as teachers and singers, are at increased risk . </P>

This is often referred to as horseness or difficulty speaking