Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: moses lawn on 11/09/2004 12:52:02

Title: Tinnitus
Post by: moses lawn on 11/09/2004 12:52:02
As a sufferer of this affliction, I can't help wondering whether profoundly deaf people also hear noises in their heads.

Is Tinnitus controllable?
Title: Re: Tinnitus
Post by: Ylide on 11/09/2004 20:22:15
It depends on the cause of their deafness.  Tinnitus is basically an abnormal stimulation of the auditory nerve which is interpreted as a ringing or buzzing by the brain.  If deafness is caused by destruction of this nerve, for whatever reason, then I doubt they could have tinnitus.  It may be possible in other ear disorders...I have known quite a few deaf people in my life and a few of them did indeed have problems with tinnitus.  

As for control, therapy can be anything from drugs to surgery to psychotherapy, all with mixed results.  There is no definitive cure.



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