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People who are profoundly deaf and candidates for cochlear implant surgery often have musical hallucinations, hearing symphonies and concerts in their heads. These hallucinations disappear after the implant, which allows them to hear speech.

Phonophobia, a real fear of sound, is not common and is usually linked with underlying mental health conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder or certain personality traits.

Dr. Konstantina Stankovic emphasized that people with tinnitus should try to distract themselves from it, as focusing on the condition can exacerbate the neural circuitry involved. This approach is supported by clinical recommendations and imaging studies showing hyperactivity in the inferior colliculus.

The best treatment option for tinnitus currently is a cochlear implant, which improves peripheral function and allows the brain to recalibrate, effectively reducing symptoms for many patients.

Hearing is crucial not just for communication but also for emotional, relational, and cognitive well-being. Historical figures like Socrates and Helen Keller have highlighted the profound impact of sound on human experience.

Hearing thresholds can be influenced by the sonic environment of a city, affecting how people perceive sound based on where they live.

The relationship between sound and emotion is deeply rooted in our brain's pathways. Auditory signals travel from the ear to the brain, interacting with emotional pathways and the limbic system, which explains why music and speeches can be so emotionally moving.

ASMR, or auditory sensory meridian reflex, involves sounds like whispering or scratching that some find extremely pleasant, while others find them unpleasant. This reflects the diverse ways our brains process auditory stimuli.

The American Academy of Otolaryngology endorses two main interventions for tinnitus: amplification with a hearing aid and sound therapy, both of which have shown to make a difference.

Hidden hearing loss can occur even if standard audiometric tests show normal results. This happens when synapses connecting sensory cells to neurons are damaged by loud sounds, leading to issues like tinnitus.