Tinnitus is a persistent perception of sound, or ringing, in the ears despite the absence of any audible noise. Often times, tinnitus can be a debilitating condition, reducing the quality of life of sufferers, and impacting their everyday functionality. Approximately 8%-20% of the general population is estimated to be affected with tinnitus. Recent research has shown the “sound” associated with tinnitus is actually related to a condition in the brain, rather than in the inner ear, as previously thought. Despite this discovery, the specific conditions that cause the tinnitus “noise” are poorly understood, making treatments and cures for it unavailable and under-developed. New directions for research, however, led in part by Dr. Thanos Tzounopoulos, in animal models have contributed considerably to understanding the source and underlying cause of tinnitus, as well as correlated side effects, like cochlear damage and hearing loss. In order to develop a stronger understanding of tinnitus and its underlying mechanisms, Dr. Tzounopoulos have begun to employ electrophysiological, imaging, and behavioral approaches.