FL: Neuroscience Seminar at Florida Atlantic University

What: Neuroscience Seminar

Topic: “Buzzing Ears: The Neuroscience of Tinnitus”

Presented by:
Ali A. Danesh, Ph.D.
Associate Professor - Dept. of Communication Sciences & Disorders
Director of Audiology Clinic
Affiliate Associate Professor - Schmidt College of Medicine

Where:
Florida Atlantic University
Engineering East, Room 106
(videoconferenced to Jupiter Campus Room SR-270)

When:
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
4:00 p.m.

Abstract: Tinnitus is an auditory perception of sound(s) in the ear(s) or head without any external source. More than 50 million people in the US alone have reported tinnitus. For many people this phantom perception may interfere with their sleep, concentration and daily activities. There are many factors which can trigger tinnitus ranging from noise exposure, ototoxic drugs, metabolic disturbances or sensorineual degeneration due to aging. The neural circuit(s) for tinnitus and its generation is still a mystery. Neuroscientists have proposed several hypotheses such as cortical reorganization and neuroplasticity, downregulation of intracortical inhibition, and increased spontaneous firing rates as possible explanations for tinnitus generation. This presentation will cover the concept of tinnitus generation from a neuroscience point of view and will review neurobiological models of its origin. Additionally, the animal models of tinnitus and application of neuroimaging techniques in tinnitus research will be discussed. Current tinnitus research at FAU also will be presented.

ALL ARE WELCOME