Tinnitus is a common symptom wherein you hear a phantom noise with no identifiable source. Most people hear tinnitus as a ringing, buzzing or hissing noise that may come and go seemingly at random.
Because tinnitus is usually subjective (only you hear it), the cause of it is difficult to pin down, though it is often associated with hearing loss. The reason we often associate tinnitus with hearing loss is an adaptive process called neuroplasticity.
What is Neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity is your brain’s ability to learn and adapt. When you learn to speak as a kid, or learn to drive as a teenager, that’s an example of neuroplasticity. Those changes work in both directions; if you go too long without interacting with information or a skill, you might lose it.
The Connection With Tinnitus
Hearing and understanding sound are expressions of neuroplasticity that, when removed, leave the brain deprived of input. That deprivation alters the way that the brain processes auditory information. When the auditory system lacks external sound, it may bypass the primary auditory cortex and generate its own input in the form of tinnitus. The same neuroplasticity that causes the brain to make noise may also lead to other hearing issues, such as hyperacusis, in which noises suddenly feel too loud or intrusive.
What Does This Mean for Tinnitus Management?
Tinnitus has no known cure, but if it arises from auditory deprivation, reintroducing sound to the auditory system may help alleviate the symptom. Hearing aids are an effective tool for managing tinnitus and hearing loss simultaneously. These devices collect and amplify sound, bringing it directly to your ear to help you communicate, stay aware of your surroundings and provide your auditory system with stimulation.
Some hearing aids come with built-in tinnitus masking features that play a soothing sound to cover the internal ringing.
If you’ve been struggling with tinnitus, we can help. Contact Austin Auditory Specialists to schedule a tinnitus evaluation with one of our specialists.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic. (2023, December 12). What is neuroplasticity? How it works. Cleveland Clinic. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/neuroplasticity
Møller A. R. (2006). Neural plasticity in tinnitus. Progress in brain research, 157, 365–372. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0079-6123(06)57022-0