Tinnitus...

...is a complex and dynamic symptom of the auditory system. It is generated via at least one of five main pathways. (Shown in colour - explanation below). Inner ear (cochlea), auditory cortex and lower brain areas, somatic dysfunction of TMJ and vertebral column, endolymphatic pressure (Menière´s disease) or external influences from the environment create a dysbalance and/or hyperactivity in the auditory system, that is perceived as a ringing or hissing sound.

The pathways in particular:

THE ENDOLYMPHATIC PATHWAY

Chronic inflammatory process of the head
Cranio-sacral dysfunction
Immunological disorder

THE ENVIRONMENTAL PATHWAY

Sick building syndrome
Electromagnetic smog
Medication
Nutritives/Toxins

THE CENTRAL PATHWAY

Tinnitus-Sensibilization
Subconcious conflicts
Chronic disstress syndrome
Posttraumatic disorders
Hearing loss
Metabolic and degenerative factors

THE SOMATIC PATHWAY

TMJ and jaw muscle dysfunction
Teeth malocclusion or inflammtion
C0/1 area and vertebral column dysfunction
Cranio-sacral disorders
Cranial nerve irritation

THE OTIC PATHWAY

Middle ear dysfunctions (ear drum, ossicles, middle ear muscles)
Inner and outer hair cells dysfunction of the inner ear
Imbalances of nutritive structures in the inner ear
Blood vessels, viscosity and metabolite disorders

We describe acute (0-3 months), subacute (3-6 months) and chronic (> 6 months) forms of tinnitus. If secondary reactions to the perception of tinnitus causes emotional reactions with symptoms of the autonomic nerval system, a human beeing is challenged to compensate this influence in life. If the experience of every day life becomes miserable and it is difficult to work a job, we speak of decompensated forms of tinnitus. A decompensated situation represents a second disorder of psychic nature, that does require specific treatment.