Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 17, 2026

A Protocol for the Administration of Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback Training
Published on: August 24, 2017
Hyperactivity in the medial olivocochlear efferent system is a common feature of tinnitus and hyperacusis in humans
Joshua J Sturm1, Catherine J C Weisz2
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania jjs149@pitt.edu.
Abstract:
Tinnitus and hyperacusis are common, burdensome sources of morbidity with a high rate of co-occurrence. Knudson et al. (J Neurophysiol 112: 3197-3208, 2014) demonstrated that efferent suppression of cochlear activity by the medial olivocochlear system is enhanced in individuals with tinnitus and/or hyperacusis. Their findings stress that atypical activity in the efferent auditory pathway may represent a shared substrate, as well as a potential therapeutic target, in tinnitus and hyperacusis.
Related Concept Videos
The Cochlea
Auditory Pathway
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking...
Hearing
Auditory Perception
Equilibrium and Balance
The Vestibular System

