Dan Polley

Stéphane Maison, director of the tinnitus clinic at Mass Eye and Ear, and Dan Polley, tinnitus researcher and advocate, explore the mysterious world of tinnitus—a phantom noise affecting 15% of adults. They discuss how hidden hearing loss triggers these sounds in the brain and the common misconception that there's nothing that can be done about it. Stéphane shares innovative diagnostic techniques, while Dan emphasizes the need for more research funding. The conversation sheds light on coping strategies and potential treatments to improve the quality of life for those affected.

Dan Polley, a tinnitus researcher probing brain circuits behind phantom sounds, and Stéphane Maison, clinician running a tinnitus clinic, discuss why the brain creates persistent ringing. They cover hidden hearing damage, how reduced input leads the brain to amplify internal noise, why standard hearing tests can miss problems, and how therapies aim to retrain attention and distress responses.

Dan Polley, a tinnitus researcher at Mass Eye and Ear and a professor associated with Harvard Medical School, dives deep into the intricacies of sound and silence. He discusses how tinnitus creates a persistent noise that influences daily life and shares insights on the brain's construction of sound perception. Polley also sheds light on misophonia, explaining its emotional connections, and offers strategies for coping with tinnitus, balancing acceptance with the quest for silence. Listeners' intimate sound stories add a poignant dimension to the conversation.