The Sound of Tinnitus, 2024

The Sound of Tinnitus, 2024

Tinnitus

Artist statement:

This painting visually displays what someone with tinnitus can hear. While the violin is distinguishable, it is blurry similarly to how someone with tinnitus would be able to hear the violin but the ringing in their ears would make it difficult to hear. The golden flecks at the top of the painting are representative of the music that would be produced by the violin, but they are far away from the focal point of the painting, just like the music would sound far away from someone with tinnitus. I made the background dark to reflect how people with tinnitus feel separated from others. There is nothing else for this person with tinnitus to experience beyond the noises they can hear.

Medical description:

Usually the noise comes from blood vessels, either normal vessels in conditions of increased or turbulent flow, caused by atherosclerosis or abnormal vessels. Loss of cochlear input in the central auditory system occurs in cochlear hair cell damage or a lesion of the vestibulocochlear nerve can result in abnormal neural activity in the auditory (Atik Et al 2014). Tinnitus may also have other underlying causes such as disruption of the auditory nerves, abnormalities in the auditory pathways, and vascular disorders that affect blood flow. With that being said, factors like loud noises, certain medication usage, age-related hearing loss, ear infections, and conditions like Meniere's Disease can contribute to the cause of tinnitus (Helene & Nelly).

Carr, Lydia

2024

Chavez, Nelly; Jackson, Helene; Martinez, Gabriella; Salgado, Krisalin; Reis, Luisa Senne Souza

In Copyright- This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights.

Oil on canvas ; 24 x 36 in.