Application of neurodegenerative disease treatment strategies in tinnitus: mechanisms, translation, and prospects

Tinnitus, a prevalent auditory perception symptom, is closely associated with maladaptive neuroplasticity within the central auditory and non-auditory pathways. Its complex pathophysiology shares significant mechanistic parallels with neurodegenerative processes, including neuroinflammation, synaptic dysfunction, excitotoxicity, and aberrant neural network reorganization. This review explores the therapeutic potential of repurposing strategies originally developed for neurodegenerative diseases for tinnitus intervention. We systematically examine key approaches, such as targeting neuroinflammatory cascades, modulating neurotrophic factors, and mitigating glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity. The discussion synthesizes evidence from preclinical studies suggesting their mechanisms of action within tinnitus models and evaluates the current landscape of translational and clinical research. By bridging insights from neurodegeneration and auditory neuroscience, this article aims to provide a cohesive theoretical framework and identify future directions for developing novel, mechanism-based therapeutic interventions for tinnitus.