[The role of the cerebellum in auditory process and tinnitus].

Cerebellum connects with each part of the auditory pathway directly or indirectly, forming the anatomical basis for a cerebellar role in auditory process. Functional imaging studies and clinical observations provide more abundant support for this view. Tinnitus is one of the most common clinical manifestations when the auditory system is impaired and remains unsolved. Basic science researches in neurotransmitter chemistry and molecular biochemistry, together with functional imaging studies, indicate that cerebellum might contribute to the pathophysiology of tinnitus. In this review we summarize the current understanding of cerebellar role in auditory process and tinnitus.