Does Your Tinnitus Have a Somatic Element?

Woman holding her head; somatic tinnitus concept

A somatic element in tinnitus refers to the perception of tinnitus that is influenced by physical or sensory stimuli in the body. This can include changes in head or neck position, jaw movements, or muscle tension.

Somatic tinnitus is thought to be related to the way that the sensory system in the head and neck is connected to the auditory system in the brain. When there is tension or dysfunction in the muscles or joints of the head and neck, it can affect the way that the auditory system processes sound, leading to the perception of tinnitus.

For example, some people with somatic tinnitus may notice that the sound of their tinnitus changes when they move their head in a certain way or when they clench their jaw. Others may notice that their tinnitus is more noticeable or bothersome when they are experiencing stress or tension in the muscles of the head and neck.

Treatment for somatic tinnitus may involve a combination of strategies such as physical therapy, relaxation techniques, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. These approaches can help to manage the symptoms of somatic tinnitus and improve overall quality of life. In some cases, dental treatments or other medical interventions may also be recommended.

A University of Michigan team led by Susan Shore, Ph.D., has developed the Michigan Tinnitus Device, a device that specifically targets somatic tinnitus. This is good news for people with tinnitus because the majority of them (60% - 80%) have a somatic component to their tinnitus. "The approach, called targeted bimodal auditory-somatosensory stimulation, shows promise and is currently being evaluated in a clinical trial."

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