Singers tend to be highly excitable, sensitive human beings. Just as they express emotion clearly through song, they also tend to do so in real life (the word “diva” comes to mind). There are exceptions to this psychology, but they are not common. This psychology has been examined by essayist William Hazlitt more than 150 years ago:

 

    “With respect to the extravagance of performers, as a traditional character, it is not to be wondered at. They live from hand to mouth, they plunge from want into luxury; they have no means of making money breed and all professionals that do not live by turning money into money, or have not the certainty of accumulating it in the end by parsimony, spend it. Uncertain of the future they make sure of the present moment. This is not unwise. Chilled with poverty, steeped in contempt, they sometimes pass into the sunshine of fortune, and are lifted to the very pinnacle of public favour; yet even there they cannot calculate on the continuance of success, but are, ‘like the giddy sailor on the mast, ready with every blast to topple down into the fatal bowels of the deep!’ Besides, if the young enthusiast, who is smitten with the stage, and with the public as a mistress, were naturally a close hunks, he would become or remain a city clerk, instead of turning player. Again, with respect to the habit of convivial indulgence, a performer, to be a good one, must have a great spirit of enjoyment in himself - strong impulses, strong passions, and a strong sense of pleasure; for it is his business to imitate the passions, and to communicate pleasure to others.”

 

    This quote, although old, still rings true to this day. The young, ambitious singer is quick to glory and quick to tears. Personal insecurities combined with the pressure of performing for an audience can often cause an inexperienced talent to overanalyze even the tiniest tickle of the throat, insisting that they have an affliction such as laryngitis. Even older performers, whose livelihood may depend on a functioning vocal mechanism, will react wildly to a small symptom.

    The vocal mechanism may be perfectly healthy, while the accuracy to which it works may be subject to the emotions and state of mind of the vocalist. It is important to keep this in mind while investigating the diagnosis of vocal disorders. Before being convinced of a vocal affliction, the first step of action is to consult you laryngologist or ENT.