A Computational Model with Plasticity for Tinnitus Generation and its Relief by Sound Therapy

Abstract

Tinnitus is the perception that one hears sound in the ears or in the head without any external source. Sound therapy is one of the most effective techniques for tinnitus treatment that have been utilized in the clinical settings. In this paper, a computational and dynamical model with plasticity is proposed using Bonheoffer-van der Pol (BVP) equations in order to investigate mechanisms of the generation of tinnitus and the clinical effects of sound therapy. This model can replicate the tinnitus generation with hearing loss and the clinical observations in which human auditory system temporarily halts perception of tinnitus following the treatment by sound therapy.