Tinnitus. Analiza wybranych modeli fantomowego dźwięku

Tinnitus (“ringing in the ears”) is sometimes described as a phantom sound. The phenomenon consists of the perception of a sound of various quality (ringing, hissing, buzzing or a permanent tone) that has no external source and is believed to be the consequence of the nervous system activity. Tinnitus was recognized already in ancient times. Nowadays, millions of people perceive tinnitus, some to a debilitating degree. In its chronic form it is often linked to hearing problems, lowered satisfaction with life and depression. The aim of this paper is to present a Polish reader with the most prominent models that explain the evolution and maintenance of tinnitus perception from different perspectives (physiology, neuroscience, psychology, cognitive science).