A neuronal network model with homeostatic plasticity for tinnitus generation and its management by sound therapy

Tinnitus is the perception that one hears phantom sound(s) in the ears or in the head without any external source. Sound therapy is one of the most effective techniques for tinnitus treatment that have been proposed. In order to investigate mechanisms of tinnitus generation and the clinical effects of sound therapy, we previously proposed computational and dynamical models with Hebbian or spike-time-dependent plasticity using a neural oscillator or a neuronal network. In the present paper, we propose a neuronal network model with homeostatic plasticity and demonstrate the simulation results of the model. The model is able to replicate the process of tinnitus generation and inhibition of perception of tinnitus by sound therapy.