Acute management of the performing voice.

Management of a singer's acute voice problem carries repercussions that may affect his or her career. When a vocalist develops a problem before a performance, the clinician is required to make a prompt diagnosis, determine the safety of the vocal performance, and provide treatment. The ability of the singer to fulfill the pending vocal performance is also of paramount importance. Therefore, it is important for the clinician to understand the presenting complaints, to evaluate the emergent vocal need of the singer, and to combine the art and science of laryngology to formulate the treatment plan.