Tinnitus is a phenomenon that puzzles doctors and researchers alike. At times, we hear a ringing in our ears that eventually fades out on its own. However, for people with tinnitus, the sound might never go away. Why is that? What causes these noises? Why does the brain sometimes produce them when no external sound is present? And what role does the psyche play?
Exposure to loud music or other noises can trigger tinnitus. Many people suffer from this unpleasant acoustic sensation, yet few speak openly about it.
Swiss musician and music producer Dodo has had tinnitus for over 20 years. He’s tried several therapies to combat it. In Zurich, scientists use neurofeedback to retrain a patient’s brain – by rewarding it for switching off the buzzing or whistling sounds. Other sufferers seek relief in music or art therapy. Nothing worked for Dodo, so he stopped fighting his tinnitus and made friends with it instead. He’s even composed a song about his constant auditory companion.
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