> You are describing scenarios where it’s noticeable. It’s like saying if a tree falls in the woods and no one is there. OK, but I believe in this situation, t

> You are describing scenarios where it’s noticeable. It’s like saying if a tree falls in the woods and no one is there. OK, but I believe in this situation, there is no physical sound, unlike if a tree falls in the woods. It's an auditory hallucination. A visual hallucination isn't there if I don't see it, and neither is an auditory hallucination. FWIW I think we're largely in agreement. I described that I can gain tinnitus at-will by meditating, but I wouldn't say meditation causes tinnitus. And I can certainly see the AirPod/tinnitus connection being of the same nature - nothing with the physical hearing systems at all and instead a consequence of a change in the mind - even though I wouldn't say tinnitus is "always there".