TINNITUS AND HYPERACUSIS

TINNITUS	Describes a condition where a noise is heard in the ears or head. The noise is frequently described as a ringing, buzzing, humming or hissing sound which cannot be heard by others. It is a common phenomenon affecting 17% of the general population and about 33% of the elderly.
HYPERACUSIS	Describes an unusual sensitivity to everyday, environmental sounds as a result of over-amplification in the auditory pathways. This condition is present in about 40% of Tinnitus sufferers but can also exist on its own.
MISOPHONIA	Describes a strong dislike of certain environmental sounds and almost always accompanies Hyperacusis.

According to the Neurophysiological Model of Tinnitus, tinnitus is the ability to hear sounds generated by the auditory (hearing) system. These sounds are generated from a weak imbalance of the neuronal activity in the auditory system, most commonly after some damage to the cochlear mechanisms or due to aging. It is a part of the normal functioning of the auditory system and tinnitus is therefore not a disease or pathology that requires a cure. The annoyance associated with the tinnitus is due to the rewiring of the brain as a result of some negative emotion or fearful attitude towards tinnitus. This will most often result in a constant awareness of tinnitus, difficulty with attention and concentration, difficulty falling asleep or remaining asleep and an inability to enjoy quiet recreation activities. Its effect can range from being mildly irritating to being totally devastating and debilitating.