The protocol for assessing patients with tinnitus has been a subject of debate amongst those who specialise in its study. On the one hand, there are those who argue that, as tinnitus is a symptom originating at any level of the auditory system, a comprehensive auditory and vestibular assessment should be carried out in order to arrive at a topographical and aetiological diagnosis that is as accurate as possible. Others, however, believe that such a comprehensive approach has no practical value, and that a brief assessment of hearing is sufficient. At the Otorhinolaryngology Department of the Vila Nova de Gaia Hospital Centre, we believe, in line with Claussen and Shulman, that establishing a diagnosis is fundamental to managing the condition.