Straightforward Information About Tinnitus
This glossary defines common terms used throughout this site and in clinical settings. Click on page links for detailed information on each topic.
A benign tumor on the vestibular nerve (also called vestibular schwannoma). Can cause one-sided tinnitus, hearing loss, and balance problems. See What Causes Tinnitus?
A chart showing the results of a hearing test, plotting the softest sounds you can hear at various frequencies. See Understanding Your Audiogram.
A healthcare professional specializing in hearing and balance disorders, including tinnitus management. See Specialists Who Treat Tinnitus.
The theory that the brain increases its internal amplification in response to reduced input from a damaged cochlea, leading to tinnitus. See How Your Brain Creates the Sound.
A structured psychological therapy that addresses the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors surrounding tinnitus. See CBT for Tinnitus.
The spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear that converts sound vibrations into nerve signals. Damage to cochlear hair cells is a primary cause of tinnitus.
Damage to the nerve connections between cochlear hair cells and the auditory nerve, which may not appear on a standard audiogram. Also called "hidden hearing loss." See Tinnitus and Hearing Loss.
A unit of measurement for sound intensity. See the noise exposure table on the Noise-Induced Tinnitus page.
The brain's natural process of learning to filter out a persistent, non-threatening stimulus. The goal of most tinnitus management approaches. See Can Tinnitus Go Away?
An abnormal sensitivity to everyday sounds at normal volume levels. Sometimes co-occurs with tinnitus. See Protecting Your Hearing.
Brain regions responsible for emotion, memory, and the stress response. Involved in the distress associated with tinnitus. See How Your Brain Creates the Sound.
Using external sound to partially or completely cover the tinnitus signal. See Sound Therapy.
An inner ear disorder causing episodes of vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, ear fullness, and tinnitus. See What Causes Tinnitus?
The brain's ability to reorganize and rewire itself in response to experience. Both a contributor to chronic tinnitus and the mechanism behind habituation. See How Your Brain Creates the Sound.
Rare form of tinnitus that can be detected by a clinician. See Types of Tinnitus.
Sounds produced by healthy hair cells in the cochlea, measured during hearing evaluation. See Tinnitus Evaluation.
Harmful to the ear. Refers to medications or substances that can damage hearing or cause tinnitus. See Medications and Tinnitus.
Age-related hearing loss, typically affecting higher frequencies. A common contributor to tinnitus. See What Causes Tinnitus?
Tinnitus with a rhythmic pattern, usually in sync with the heartbeat. See Pulsatile Tinnitus.
Tinnitus that can be modulated by movements of the head, neck, or jaw. See Types of Tinnitus and Tinnitus and TMJ.
Tinnitus that only the affected person can hear. The most common type, accounting for approximately 99% of cases. See Types of Tinnitus.
A standardized questionnaire measuring tinnitus severity. See Tinnitus Severity.
A newer questionnaire measuring tinnitus severity and treatment outcomes. See Tinnitus Severity.
The jaw joint. Dysfunction in this joint can cause or worsen tinnitus. See Tinnitus and TMJ.
A structured management program combining counseling and sound therapy. See TRT Explained.