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Semin Hear 2008; 29(3): 270-287
DOI: 10.1055/s-0028-1082033
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Assessment and Modification of the Tinnitus-Related Cortical Network

Winfried Schlee1 , Katalin Dohrmann1 , Thomas Hartmann1 , Isabel Lorenz1 , Nadia Müller1 , Thomas Elbert1 , Nathan Weisz2
  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
  • 2Dynamique cérébrale et cognition, INSERM U 821, Lyon, France
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
19 August 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Tinnitus refers to the perception of a sound in the absence of any physical source, and it is widely believed that this phantom sound is generated in the central nervous system. Thus the activation of neuronal cell assemblies is chronically changed in patients with an ongoing tinnitus perception. We used magnetoencephalography to investigate these changes in a resting condition. There was an increase of synchronized activity in the gamma and delta frequency range together with a decrease in the α band. Manipulation of these cortical networks by means of neurofeedback therapy resulted in a reduction of tinnitus loudness and distress. In this article we review the basic research and the clinical studies conducted in our laboratory and propose a model that explains the results and helps guide future research and therapy.

KEYWORDS

Tinnitus - magnetoencephalography - neurofeedback - resting state

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Winfried SchleeDipl.-Psych. 

Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz

PO Box D25, 78458 Konstanz, Germany

Email: winfried.schlee@uni-konstanz.de

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