Although tinnitus is presently a problem for many people, the condition has likely been around for as long as humanity has been in existence (Husain, 2021; DeRidder & DeRidder-Symoens, 2024). Despite this long-standing issue, it’s relevant to discuss where we came from, and the advances that guided us to where we are today.
The origins of the word tinnitus derive from the Latin word, ‘tinnire”, which is a verb that means “to ring or tinkle” (Husain, 2021). Pliny the Elder was the first attributed to coin the term tinnitus in the 2nd century BCE, but descriptions of tinnitus were documented much earlier by the Mesopotamians in the 16th century BCE (Willingham, 2004; De Ridder & DeRidder-Symoens; 2024). They described accounts of the first known sounds like whispering/singing in the ears (Willingham, 2004; Husain 2021).
Early Theories About Tinnitus
Initially, tinnitus was thought to be a form of punishment from their gods by the Mesopotamians (De Ridder & DeRidder-Symoens; 2024). They were also the first to recognize the challenge of curing tinnitus (Husain, 2021). Later, Greek philosophers such as Hippocrates and Aristotle began to relate the cause of tinnitus to various medical conditions and natural causes, rather than curses (De Ridder & DeRidder-Symoens; 2024). In the fifth century BCE, Hippocrates thought of tinnitus as one of many symptoms surrounding an infection, however, he also correctly recognized it as a condition affecting the brain (De Ridder & DeRidder-Symoens, 2024). The next mention of tinnitus in the 6th century AD, Alexander de Tralles described tinnitus as the “irritability of the auditory sense” (De Ridder & DeRidder-Symoens; 2024). In the 10th century AD, tinnitus was attributed to causes such as “medications, trauma and hangovers” (De Ridder & DeRidder-Symoens; 2024).
During the Renaissance other causes were attributed to tinnitus, as dissections furthered the study of anatomy. Between the 14th-16th centuries AD, hypotheses ranged from air circulation in the ear pressure changes in the eardrum, syphilis and noise exposure from firearms (Willingham, 2004; DeRidder & DeRidder- Symoens, 2024). In the 16th century AD, a physician, Jean Fernel, determined that hearing loss, tinnitus and pain share a common origin (DeRidder & DeRidder-Symoens, 2024). This advance was followed by Descartes and Duvey in the 17th century who also correctly attributed tinnitus to effects upon the brain and auditory nerve (DeRidder & DeRidder-Symoens, 2024). Next, tinnitus was further classified in the 19th century by whether it was caused by a certain condition or idiopathic (DeRidder & DeRidder-Symoens, 2024). In the 20th and 21st centuries, imaging studies were able to shed light on the centers of the brain affected by tinnitus (DeRidder & DeRidder-Symoens, 2024).
Early Methods of Managing Tinnitus
After discussing how tinnitus is identified, we can cover the progress that has been made towards a cure. The Mesopotamians writings included some of the first known efforts to cure tinnitus by using chants to rid themselves of it (Willingham, 2004; Husain 2021). Although this approach was not successful, they were the first to correctly identify how important the psychological aspects of it are to management (Husain, 2021). This would lead them to investigating different approaches to aid those with tinnitus. Various folk medicines for tinnitus emerged in the early ages of different societies, but centered around pouring different concoctions into ears. The chosen method of the Egyptians included combinations of oils, saps, soil and herbs (Willingham, 2004), as well as surgeries (Husain, 2021).
Later, the Greco-Romans experimented with radishes, cucumber juice, honey and vinegar (Willingham, 2004). Opiates were also added to the repertoire around the 2nd century BCE (De Ridder & DeRidder-Symoens, 2024). This strategy continued throughout the Middle Ages, along with new innovations, such as Welsh tradition that involved splitting a piping hot loaf of bread in half, and covering each ear with it until the sweating cured the condition (Willingham, 2004). There was also historical mention of ear candling being used (Willingham, 2004). In the Renaissance, surgical approaches emerged, such as to create a hole in the mastoid, as they theorized that tinnitus resulted from air in the ear. Thus, this would allow circulating wind that had built up to escape (Willingham, 2004).
Although these methods were not met with much success, one that was developed by the Greeks was the first to be known to be able to obscure tinnitus. One of the components for tinnitus management, sound therapy, was first described by Aristotle in the 4th century BCE (Husain, 2021). He had noted that, when a sound is made, he did not hear the buzzing in his ears (Willingham, 2004; Husain 2021). Sound therapy involves using sound to enrich one’s environment to make them less aware of their tinnitus. By doing so, this enables people to have less of a reaction to it, and over time, make tinnitus a non-issue in their lives.
Modern Tinnitus Management
Sound therapy can take the form of using different devices for enrichment, such as the use of hearing devices, noise generators and devices that use neuromodulation. They can be used on their own or in combination. The core concept of this approach is to provide the auditory additional stimulation to mask tinnitus. The portable/ear-level form takes the form of hearing devices that can be fit to both those with hearing loss, as well as normal hearing sensitivity. Hearing devices have been demonstrated to be effective in managing tinnitus but must be fit appropriately. Neuromodulation devices, such as Lenire, also use auditory stimulation along with a tongue stimulator to help accelerate habituation.
At Acro Audiology, we help provide hope for those in need of tinnitus management. Many are unaware that they do have options available to them. If this information is something that could help you or a loved one, please contact our clinic to schedule an evaluation with us to look further into your tinnitus and hearing concerns.
Sources
DeRidder & DeRidder-Symoens (2024) History of Tinnitus. InSchlee, W., Langguth, B., De Ridder, D., Vanneste, S., Kleinjung, T., Møller, A.R. (eds) Textbook of Tinnitus. Springer. Retrieved from: History of Tinnitus | SpringerLink
Husain, F. (2021). Learning to Control Tinnitus. Psychology of Learning and Motivation. (74) 47-94. Retrieved from: Learning to control tinnitus – ScienceDirect
Willingham, E. (2004). History of Tinnitus. Retrieved from: History of Tinnitus | Oregon Tinnitus & Hyperacusis Treatment Clinic, Inc.