One percent of the world's population is very sensitive to some sounds and cannot stand them. Nystagmus, or uncontrollable high-frequency eye movements in response to a sound vibrating in a particular key, is a symptom of the congenital Tullio phenomenon and can result in nausea, loss of balance, dizziness, and visual impairment.
It won’t likely be a surprise to you if I say that the eyes can respond to sound. But have you ever heard, that 1% of the population has a special sensitivity to these particularly unbearable frequencies.
If a person like this hears, for example, the booming voice vibrating at a certain frequency, not unlike a screaming peacock, or a neighbor’s particular music, it can become bad.
This isn’t a metaphor or snobbery. They’ll have signs of nausea, loss of balance, and dizziness… as well as potential loss-of-vision.
It has a name – the Tullio phenomenon.
The reason for this was only discovered recently, however, under the leadership of Marta Iverson at the University of Utah. It all has to do with the attenuation of the semicircular ear canal. Inside this bony labyrinth, like a matryoshka nesting doll, is another webbed labyrinth filled with endolymph.
When the bone there is thin, Tullio occurs.
Pietro Tullio himself drilled holes in the semicircular canals of pigeons. After hearing certain frequencies, they would lose balance.
Tullio phenomenon in humans is congenital. They also often have nystagmus, which are high-frequency, involuntary eye movements. Most likely it is this that causes the dizziness, nausea, and loss-of-balance.
How are you supposed to stabilize the body when everything is floating and flashing in front of you? You get the same effect while drunk, but Tullio doesn’t last long, just tens of seconds.
How does sound do this? What is the secret?
There are fish with inner ears like ours. It’s as if they were created for experimentation on the subject. Such a study was carried out, and it confirmed that sound causes “pathogenic” waves in the inner ear. The fish also became dizzy.
Endolymph usually moves when the head turns and the eyes adjust to stabilize the image; otherwise, it would shift about, as well.
However, due to the labyrinth being so thin, sounds “breaks through” the bone and affect the movement of the liquid. Disinformation is sent to the brain and through the eyes, resulting in nystagmus.
Thankfully, the problem can be fixed with minor surgery, but it’s unlikely that all 70 million affected can afford it.
Many other problems with the eyes can be fixed, though, if you come to the right place.
S.V.
A landmark clinical trial is testing whether we can reprogram aging eye cells back to health — opening a door that medicine has never opened before. By Arthur Benjamin, MD. Founder & Medical Director, Benjamin Eye Institute
We are proud to offer our patients the latest in premium cataract surgery with non-diffractive EDOF IOL’s. Our experienced surgeons will work with you to determine the best lens option for your needs and provide you with the best possible outcome.
At Benjamin Eye Institute, every new patient receives more than just an eye exam; they embark on a comprehensive journey towards optimal eye health led by Dr. Arthur Benjamin. With decades of experience and a commitment to personalized care, Dr. Benjamin ensures each patient not only understands their eye health but also the paths available for enhancement and treatment.
A solar eclipse is an eye-catching event, but it can also be a life-changing event if you fail to practice eye safety while enjoying this celestial phenomenon. Wearing sunglasses is not enough to protect your eyes from damage while looking at the sun directly – you need to instead acquire a pair of eclipse glasses from a reputable seller.
Such a rare and "burning" phenomenon is a solar eclipse. To see the light and not go blind you will need special equipment, but a warning – even this doesn't guarantee safety for your eyes. I would prefer to write in big letters "DON'T REPEAT IT AT HOME", but what to do with people who couldn't live without SOLAR ECLIPSE?
At Benjamin Eye Institute, patient satisfaction isn't just a goal; it's our story, told through the experiences of those we've served. These testimonials are not just feedback; they are narratives of trust, care, and unparalleled service, highlighting our commitment to vision excellence.
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of Americans; according to the Center for Disease Control about 1 in 10 Americans is diabetic. As a systemic condition, diabetes can affect multiple parts of your body, including your eyes. Here are several potential eye complications that you can develop from diabetes both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
The intricate world of eye care often involves a collaborative approach, especially when it comes to the partnership between ophthalmologists and optometrists. Dr. Arthur Benjamin, a board-certified ophthalmologist with a specialization in complex and premium cataract extractions, cataract surgery, and laser vision correction, sheds light on the concept of co-management in eye care.
