Logo image
An Integrative Tinnitus Model Based on Sensory Precision
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

An Integrative Tinnitus Model Based on Sensory Precision

William Sedley, Karl J. Friston, Phillip E. Gander, Sukhbinder Kumar and Timothy D. Griffiths
Trends in neurosciences (Regular ed.), Vol.39(12), pp.799-812
12/01/2016
DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2016.10.004
PMCID: PMC5152595
PMID: 27871729
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tins.2016.10.004View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Tinnitus is a common disorder that often complicates hearing loss. Its mechanisms are incompletely understood. Current theories proposing pathophysiology from the ear to the cortex cannot individually - or collectively - explain the range of experimental evidence available. We propose a new framework, based on predictive coding, in which spontaneous activity in the subcortical auditory pathway constitutes a 'tinnitus precursor' which is normally ignored as imprecise evidence against the prevailing percept of 'silence'. Extant models feature as contributory mechanisms acting to increase either the intensity of the precursor or its precision. If precision (i.e., postsynaptic gain) rises sufficiently then tinnitus is perceived. Perpetuation arises through focused attention, which further increases the precision of the precursor, and resetting of the default prediction to expect tinnitus.
Life Sciences & Biomedicine Neurosciences Neurosciences & Neurology Science & Technology

Details

Logo image