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Underlying mechanisms of tinnitus: review and clinical implications
Journal article   Peer reviewed

Underlying mechanisms of tinnitus: review and clinical implications

James A Henry, Larry E Roberts, Donald M Caspary, Sarah M Theodoroff and Richard J Salvi
Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, v 25(1), pp 5-022
Jan 2014
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3766/jaaa.25.1.2
PMID: 24622858
Featured in Collection :   UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel

Abstract

Animals Auditory Cortex - physiopathology Auditory Perception - physiology Cochlear Diseases - complications Cochlear Diseases - physiopathology Cochlear Nucleus - physiopathology Diagnostic Techniques, Neurological Disease Models, Animal Geniculate Bodies - physiopathology Hearing Loss - complications Hearing Loss - physiopathology Humans Hyperacusis - physiopathology Inferior Colliculi - physiopathology Magnetic Resonance Imaging Neuronal Plasticity Noise - adverse effects Positron-Emission Tomography Tinnitus - etiology Tinnitus - physiopathology
The study of tinnitus mechanisms has increased tenfold in the last decade. The common denominator for all of these studies is the goal of elucidating the underlying neural mechanisms of tinnitus with the ultimate purpose of finding a cure. While these basic science findings may not be immediately applicable to the clinician who works directly with patients to assist them in managing their reactions to tinnitus, a clear understanding of these findings is needed to develop the most effective procedures for alleviating tinnitus. The goal of this review is to provide audiologists and other health-care professionals with a basic understanding of the neurophysiological changes in the auditory system likely to be responsible for tinnitus. It is increasingly clear that tinnitus is a pathology involving neuroplastic changes in central auditory structures that take place when the brain is deprived of its normal input by pathology in the cochlea. Cochlear pathology is not always expressed in the audiogram but may be detected by more sensitive measures. Neural changes can occur at the level of synapses between inner hair cells and the auditory nerve and within multiple levels of the central auditory pathway. Long-term maintenance of tinnitus is likely a function of a complex network of structures involving central auditory and nonauditory systems. Patients often have expectations that a treatment exists to cure their tinnitus. They should be made aware that research is increasing to discover such a cure and that their reactions to tinnitus can be mitigated through the use of evidence-based behavioral interventions.

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Web of Science research areas
Audiology & Speech-language Pathology
Otorhinolaryngology
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