What is tinnitus?
Understanding the perception of sound in the absence of external noise
Understanding Tinnitus
Tinnitus—the perception of sound in the absence of an actual external sound—represents a symptom of an underlying condition rather than a single disease. Several theories have been proposed to explain the mechanisms underlying tinnitus.
Tinnitus generators are theoretically located in the auditory pathway, and such generators and various mechanisms occurring in the peripheral auditory system have been explained in terms of spontaneous otoacoustic emissions, edge theory, and discordant theory.
Reference: Han BI, Lee HW, Kim TY, Lim JS, Shin KS. Tinnitus: characteristics, causes, mechanisms, and treatments. J Clin Neurol. 2009 Mar;5(1):11-9. doi: 10.3988/jcn.2009.5.1.11. Epub 2009 Mar 31. PMID: 19513328; PMCID: PMC2686891.
A symptom, not a disease
Tinnitus is experienced as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other phantom sounds that only you can hear. It's important to understand that tinnitus itself is not a disease—it's a symptom that can arise from various underlying conditions.
The auditory pathway contains theoretical "tinnitus generators" that may produce these phantom sounds through different mechanisms in the peripheral auditory system.
Theories explaining tinnitus mechanisms
Spontaneous Otoacoustic Emissions
Sounds generated by the inner ear itself, which may be perceived as tinnitus in certain conditions.
Edge Theory
Explains tinnitus as arising from the edges of damaged regions in the cochlea's frequency map.
Discordant Theory
Proposes that tinnitus results from discordance between inner and outer hair cell function.
Calm the noise—anytime, anywhere
A tinnitus relief companion that helps you match your tone and use sound-based relief on the go.
Not medical advice. Tinnitaid is a wellness/relief tool and does not replace professional diagnosis.