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The Analogy between Tinnitus and Chronic Pain: A Phenomenological Approach
1Laboratoire de Neurosciences Sensorielles et Cognitives, CNRS, Aix-Marseille University, 13003 Marseille, France.
Brain Sciences
|August 26, 2023
Summary
Tinnitus, an auditory phantom sensation, can profoundly impact quality of life, similar to chronic pain. This study explores its existential crisis, affecting well-being and time perception.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Phenomenology
Background:
- Tinnitus is an auditory sensation without external acoustic stimulation.
- Its loudness does not correlate with experienced distress.
- Psychological factors significantly influence tinnitus perception.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand how tinnitus can trigger an existential crisis.
- To compare the subjective experience of tinnitus with that of chronic pain.
- To explore the phenomenological aspects of tinnitus beyond its physiological mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Phenomenological analysis of tinnitus experience.
- Comparison of tinnitus with chronic pain from a subjective experience perspective.
- Literature review on the existential impact of tinnitus.
Main Results:
- Tinnitus, like pain, is felt rather than perceived, creating an immediate subjective experience.
- It can abolish the subject-object distance and alter the perception of the world.
- Tinnitus can lead to suffering, enclosing individuals in an 'eternal present' and potentially causing collapse.
Conclusions:
- Tinnitus shares phenomenological similarities with chronic pain, impacting existence.
- The experience of tinnitus can lead to an existential crisis, affecting time perception and well-being.
- Resolution involves integrating tinnitus into a new existential norm to reduce disturbance.
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