A person missing an arm has phantom limb syndrome.

Sometimes it’s hard for patients with tinnitus to understand how they can hear noises when the sounds don’t exist in the real world. To help them comprehend this condition, some doctors explain it to their patients by equating it to phantom limb syndrome.

What is tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of a sound that has no external source. Some of the more common sounds reported are: ringing, humming, buzzing, and cricket-like chirps. They can also hear more complex sounds like bells, voices, or music.

Tinnitus is a symptom, not a disease itself, so it can have a number of causes. It is most often caused by hearing loss, specifically damage to the inner ear. Hearing loss is often due to aging or loud noise exposure. It can also be caused by thyroid problems, blood circulation problems, head or neck injuries, and some medications. In addition to hearing loss, the condition can be a sign of ear-related problems such as wax buildup or ear infections, or even a benign tumor on the auditory nerve.

What is phantom limb syndrome?

Phantom limb syndrome is when people who lost limbs report sensations – often pain – in the absent limb. Scientist believe the brain is used to receiving sensory input, so when the signals from the missing limb cease, it starts providing its own.

How are tinnitus and phantom limb syndrome similar?

Like with phantom limb syndrome, the brain is used to sensory stimulation from the ears. So, if a person’s hearing is disrupted, their brain starts filling in the sounds it thinks it should be hearing. In fact, similar areas of the brain are responsible for both tinnitus and phantom limb syndrome.

Is treatment for tinnitus available?

The first step is learning the tinnitus’ source. If tinnitus is caused by hearing loss, hearing aids can be very beneficial.

Retraining therapy and sound therapy can also alleviate tinnitus.

Tinnitus care in the Carolinas

If you have tinnitus and would like to discuss treatment options, schedule an appointment with a CEENTA audiologist. They will do what they can to help you to only hear real sounds, not phantom ones.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your doctor. Would you like an appointment with a CEENTA audiologist? Call 704-295-3000.

 


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Comments

March 17, 2021

The past 2 year I have develope other things happening in my brian beside the titinutis. I see projection screen in front of my eyes. Uncorable eye movements and part of my body. My thoughts are thoughts I feel like I have mo control of. It is like someone else is controling my thoughts. Also I get sever pian in parts of my head and body. Ive had Tintinuris for 25 years the severest kind. Now the past 2 Years many other things are happening inside my brian. I need help. I feel like I am goona die at times. My life is so hard each day to get threw. Is there anyway to take all rheses things away and be noemal?
- I have the most severest totinutis possible.

March 17, 2021

Good morning. We recommend you schedule an appointment with an ENT doctor or audiologist to discuss your symptoms and medical health, as we cannot diagnose or treat patients without seeing them. If you live in the Charlotte, NC, region and would like an appointment with a CEENTA doctor, please call 704-295-3000.
Reply From: CEENTA

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