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Abstract
Phantom auditory perception--tinnitus--is a symptom of many pathologies. Although
there are a number of theories postulating certain mechanisms of its generation, none
have been proven yet. This paper analyses the phenomenon of tinnitus from the point
of view of general neurophysiology. Existing theories and their extrapolation are
presented, together with some new potential mechanisms of tinnitus generation, encompassing
the involvement of calcium and calcium channels in cochlear function, with implications
for malfunction and aging of the auditory and vestibular systems. It is hypothesized
that most tinnitus results from the perception of abnormal activity, defined as activity
which cannot be induced by any combination of external sounds. Moreover, it is hypothesized
that signal recognition and classification circuits, working on holographic or neuronal
network-like representation, are involved in the perception of tinnitus and are subject
to plastic modification. Furthermore, it is proposed that all levels of the nervous
system, to varying degrees, are involved in tinnitus manifestation. These concepts
are used to unravel the inexplicable, unique features of tinnitus and its masking.
Some clinical implications of these theories are suggested.