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Tinnitus, a phantom sound produced by the brain, is similar to phantom limb pain. While some people can ignore it, others find it debilitating, highlighting the variability in how our brain circuits handle emotional components.

Dr. Konstantina Stankovic explained that the auditory system can be more sensitive after being in a quiet environment, similar to how the visual system reacts to changes in light. This highlights the importance of gradual exposure to normal sound levels.

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.

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.