AUTHOR=Searchfield Grant , Kobayashi Kei , Sanders Michael 

TITLE=An Adaptation Level Theory of Tinnitus Audibility

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience

VOLUME=6

YEAR=2012

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/systems-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnsys.2012.00046

DOI=10.3389/fnsys.2012.00046

ISSN=1662-5137

ABSTRACT=<p>Models of tinnitus suggest roles for auditory, attention, and emotional networks in tinnitus perception. A model of tinnitus audibility based on Helson’s (<xref ref-type="bibr" rid="B35">1964</xref>) adaptation level theory (ALT) is hypothesized to explain the relationship between tinnitus audibility, personality, memory, and attention. This theory attempts to describe how tinnitus audibility or detectability might change with experience and context. The basis of ALT and potential role of auditory scene analysis in tinnitus perception are discussed. The proposed psychoacoustic model lends itself to incorporation into existing neurophysiological models of tinnitus perception. It is hoped that the ALT hypothesis will allow for greater empirical investigation of factors influencing tinnitus perception, such as attention and tinnitus sound therapies.</p>