The causes of hoarseness are determined after obtaining a detailed medical history of the circumstances preceding the onset of hoarseness and performing a thorough physical examination. [aafp.org]

Differential diagnosis Other diagnoses that need to be considered include other causes of persistent hoarseness, sore throat, earache or cough, depending on the presentation. [patient.info]

Unfortunately, 8 to 10 months may elapse before the first symptoms of hoarseness appear and a diagnosis is made.. [translatespanish.mobi]

Anyone who is hoarse for more than 2 weeks should have laryngoscopy, a procedure in which the doctor directly visualizes the larynx after inserting an instrument called an endoscope. [online-health-care.com]

With stage I disease, the patient may complain of local throat irritation or hoarseness that lasts about 2 weeks. In stages II and III, he usually reports hoarseness. He may also have a sore throat, and his voice volume may be reduced to a whisper. [lifenurses.com]