The Mechanism of Tinnitus

          One of the greatest and most possible mechanisms of tinnitus is dependent in the otoacoustic emissions. As what you probably already know is that inside the ear, especially in the inner ear area, there are hundreds of thousands of small, short, fine hairs that are called stereocilia. The stereocilia responds to sound waves and cells as they enter the ear. The stereocilia will then convert this stimulus into neural signals and back into acoustical vibrations. The sensing cells, which are connected to the vibratory cells in a neural feedback loop, gains or is regulated by the brain. This neural loop is normally configured to be just a bit below the start of self-oscillation. This set up allows the ear to be excellently sensitive and selective to sound. If something in the body or in the matrix of the ear changes, the delicate loop adjustment crosses the barrier and the same exact mechanism that causes excellent hearing now causes the disorder. For objective tinnitus, it can be measured by a very sensitive microphone or recording device placed outside the ear.

          That is why it is very important for people not to abuse the stereocilia, because this is one of the factors that keep the inner ear matrix regulated. Listening to loud music or wearing headphones for prolonged periods of time will kill or damage the hair cells in the ear and the more stereocilia that you lose, afferent neurons will take their place. These afferent neurons activate a seldom used auditory part of the brain and cause the perception of non-existent sound or tinnitus.

          Another possible mechanism of how the configuration in the inner ear can change is damage to the receptor cells. Although receptor cells can be replaced in birds and other lesser creatures, in mammals it is said to be produced only during embryogenesis. This means that it can only be reproduced through the use or omnipotent cells found in developing embryos. Since the research of this kind of theory is facing much controversy, then the possibility of replacing receptor cells as a cure for tinnitus is practically impossible. Therefore, if the stereocilia get damaged due to exposure to high decibel sounds, the deafness is inevitable. If the ringing in the patient’s ear is caused by damage of the receptor cells, then the ear may relay false information and may cause perception of sound even when none is present.

          The objective type of this disorder is easier to understand. This cannot be said, however, of subjective tinnitus where the causes of the disorder are often obscure. There are some discussions in the medical world that this disorder is usually caused by stress and other physical mechanisms. It can also be aggravated by the acute awareness of the individual that they are actually suffering from the disorder. For cases like these, the patient’s ailment is often addressed by improving the state of his or her nervous system in general with the use of gradual, non-invasive and prolonged treatments.

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