ATA Press Releases

Two ATA Scientific Advisory Committee Members Receive Department of Defense Grant
8/24/2011

Harry Teague Leads Hearing to Address Tinnitus Treatment
9/23/2010

American Tinnitus Association Announces: The Jack Vernon Walk to Silence Tinnitus
4/2/2010

American Tinnitus Association Appoints New Development Director
8/20/2009

Department of Defense Receives $50 Million Congressional Appropriation
8/10/2009

American Tinnitus Association Names New Executive Director
7/1/2009

Scientific Peer Review of PRMRP Research Proposals for the Department of Defense
10/2/2008

The American Tinnitus Association Names Gary Reul Ed.D. as CEO
7/1/2008

Biggest Breakthroughs to Curing Tinnitus in Decades
11/1/2007

For Immediate Release
August 24, 2011

Two ATA Scientific Advisory Committee Members Receive Department of Defense Grant
- Anthony T. Cacace, Ph.D., Chair, and Jinsheng Zhang, Ph.D., Will Study Blast- and Concussion-Induced Tinnitus -

Portland, Oregon – The American Tinnitus Association (ATA) announced today that Drs. Anthony T. Cacace and Jinsheng Zhang, both of Wayne State University, have received a $1.5 million grant from the United States Department of Defense (DoD) to study blast- and concussion-induced tinnitus. Tinnitus is the number one service-connected disability impacting veterans from all periods of service, and at the end of 2010, nearly 800,000 veterans from all periods of service were service-connected for it. Tinnitus is particularly prevalent in returning servicemen and women from the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Leading researchers in their field, Dr. Cacace is the current Chair of ATA’s Scientific Advisory Committee, a prestigious multi-disciplinary group of basic scientists and clinical researchers, and Dr. Zhang is also a contributing member.

Most commonly caused by exposure to very loud noise, tinnitus is often referred to as “ringing in the ears,” and accompanied by some hearing loss. However, returning military personnel from Iraq and Afghanistan are reporting tinnitus in record numbers in the absence of any measurable hearing loss. Blast- and concussion-induced injuries to the ear and brain are the signature injuries of these conflicts, and are the second most frequent injury among military personnel and veterans.

Their project is designed to study tinnitus and related traumatic brain injury (TBI) to the ear and brain resulting from blast and concussion injuries. These issues will be addressed in parallel animal and human models.

"The goal of this work is focused on establishing the underlying mechanisms of blast- and concussion-induced tinnitus and related brain injury by applying contemporary methods used in neuroscience research, with intent to develop effective treatments towards the advancement of a cure," Zhang said.

The project will have two phases, and include animal and human study. The first phase will investigate blast- and concussion-induced tinnitus-related TBI in a rat model by evaluating anatomical, electrophysiological, and neurobiochemical changes in the brain following an air shock tube blast, a controlled blunt trauma, or both. The second phase will involve 90 individuals and will investigate blast- and concussion-induced tinnitus-related TBI in humans by performing neuropsychological and psychophysical tests, detecting pathophysiological changes and MRI imaging in patients with blast and concussive injuries.

"We anticipate the proposed research will have a significant impact on the new science and new frontiers in the field. All of these efforts will in return stimulate development for effective prevention and/or treatment of tinnitus and other neurological disorders," Zhang said. "Although this study will initially focus on military personnel exposed to explosions like roadside bombs or improvised explosive devices, the model should also have more general applications to civilians that have tinnitus due to excessive noise exposures and perhaps other related etiologies. We anticipate that once the underlying basis of blast- and concussion-induced tinnitus and related brain injury is established and clearly understood, effective treatment modalities will be developed in an expeditious manner."

ATA’s advocacy program has worked tirelessly to increase both awareness of, and funding for, tinnitus research at the federal level. Specifically, a three-pronged approach targeting the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the U.S. Department of Defense. Mark K. Johnson, J.D., Chair of ATA’s Board of Directors said, “This award represents a culmination of ATA’s efforts combined with the quality and integrity of tinnitus research proposals submitted by Drs. Cacace and Zhang.”  Their contributions to the field through this grant, will be greatly anticipated by military and civilians alike.

For Immediate Release
September 23, 2010

Harry Teague Leads Hearing to Address Tinnitus Treatment
- Invisible Wounds Caucus Hearing Focuses on Top Service-Connected Disability -

Washington D.C. – On Wednesday, 9/22/2010, Congressman Harry Teague (NM,2) hosted an Invisible Wounds Caucus hearing to discuss the impact of tinnitus on soldiers returning from war. Tinnitus, a condition in the brain that is more commonly known as “ringing in the ears,” has been identified as the number one service-connected disability for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan for the last 3 years.  The discussion focused on available treatment options for soldiers suffering from tinnitus and current research being done, as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs’ approach to diagnosing and treating tinnitus.

“Tinnitus is a serious problem that not only doesn’t have a cure but hasn’t been getting the attention it truly deserves,” Harry Teague said. “We need a more comprehensive screening plan that includes active duty soldiers as well as those under the VA’s care.  We owe it to the soldiers and their families and we cannot stop until we are providing the best possible level of care.”

The panel of speakers included representatives from the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the University of Buffalo’s Centers of Hearing and Deafness, AMVETS, and the American Tinnitus Association. The participants discussed the progress that has been made in addressing tinnitus and the impact that increased funding for research and development could have on providing treatment and finding a cure.

"The American Tinnitus Association appreciates Congressman Teague's continued dedication to the issue of tinnitus. His demonstrated leadership is helping to bring about real changes in both public policy and perception of tinnitus, particularly for America's veterans and helping to grow the understanding that tinnitus is not just a symptom of hearing loss, but a real and troubling neurological condition that can impact quality of life for those who suffer,” said Jennifer Born, Director of Public Affairs for the American Tinnitus Association.

Congressman Teague, a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, led a bi-partisan group in forming the Congressional Invisible Wounds Caucus to promote awareness of and solutions for the wounds of war that are unseen, such as mental health and tinnitus, which challenges  our service members and veterans. He has made veterans’ issues a top priority, helping to secure advanced appropriations funding for the VA and introducing legislation aimed at addressing and reducing the impact of mental health issues like PTSD have on the lives of returning veterans.

For Immediate Release
April 2, 2010

American Tinnitus Association Announces: The Jack Vernon Walk to Silence Tinnitus
- National Fundraiser Focuses on Research Toward A Cure for Ringing in the Ears -

Portland, Ore. – The American Tinnitus Association announced today a national fundraising effort to silence “ringing in the ears.” The Jack Vernon Walk to Silence Tinnitus will be held on June 26, 2010 and all contributions will be restricted to funding tinnitus research. The Walk will honor one of the organization’s co-founders, Jack A. Vernon, Ph.D. who is regarded as one of the foremost tinnitus researchers.
 
The Walk presents a unique opportunity for people around the United States and worldwide to participate in the event through a virtual walk. Individuals can start a team and invite their family and friends to join their team through a special walk Web page created especially for this event. “We would love to have all walk participants come to Portland to show their commitment to a tinnitus cure, however we realize that this is not possible for everyone,” said Michael Malusevic, Executive Director for the American Tinnitus Association. He continued, “This is why the virtual walk is so important – we encourage all those interested in supporting a tinnitus cure to visit walk.ata.org beginning today to start a team or simply join Team ATA by making a contribution.”

They physical walk will be held from 10 a.m. to noon and will begin and end in the Main Street Plaza located at the end of Main Street, next to the Eastbank Esplanade pedestrian and bicycle path between the Morrison and Hawthorne bridges.
 
“When we began this organization nearly 40 years ago, my hope was that it would become the leader in tinnitus research and treatment,” said Jack A. Vernon, Ph.D. “With tinnitus being the number-one service connected disability of returning military personnel from Iraq and Afghanistan, the need to find a cure for tinnitus is heightened. I am honored and so pleased to see this kind of effort being put forth toward silencing ringing in the ears,” he concluded.

Tinnitus, commonly referred to as “ringing in the ears” is the perception of sound where no external source is present. Most commonly caused by noise exposure, tinnitus impacts up to 50 million Americans and of those, 16 million suffer from intrusive, chronic tinnitus. Their quality of life is often ruthlessly reduced and activities they once enjoyed such as going to movies, eating out at restaurants and even holding a job become impossible for many.

ATA has created a special website at walk.ata.org that enables anyone with computer access to easily navigate the registration process and participate either physically or virtually in this event. Team Captains will also be able to create their own personal team page which will keep track of the team’s fundraising progress. These personal pages also allow the team captain to share their tinnitus story along with a picture to represent their team.

Details on how to register and begin recruiting your team can be found at http://walk.ata.org.
                                                                    
WHAT: The Jack Vernon Walk to Silence Tinnitus
WHERE: Virtual Walk begins now at http://walk.ata.org
The Physical Walk will begin and end in the Main Street Plaza located at the end of Main Street, next to the Eastbank Esplanade pedestrian and bicycle path between the Morrison and Hawthorne bridges. The route is fully wheelchair accessible.
WHEN: The Virtual Walk begins now and is ongoing until the conclusion of the Physical Walk. The Physical Walk will take place on Saturday, June 26, 2010 from 10 a.m. to noon.
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For Immediate Release
August 20, 2009

Portland Ore. – The American Tinnitus Association (ATA) recently appointed Wes Breazeale (pictured right) as its new Development Director. Breazeale brings over seven years of successful nonprofit fundraising experience to the position and an understanding of working in member-based organizations. Wes will direct the organization’s fundraising efforts with a focus on their major gifts and membership programs.

For Immediate Release
August 10, 2009

Tinnitus research advocates, Scott C. Mitchell, J.D. and James O. Chinnis Jr. Ph.D., (pictured respectively to the right) recently participated in the evaluation of research proposals submitted to the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP) sponsored by the Department of Defense. Mitchell and Chinnis were nominated for participation in the peer review process by the American Tinnitus Association (ATA) in Portland, Oregon. As a consumer reviewer, they were full voting members of the scientific peer review panel, along with prominent scientists and clinicians. 

The Fiscal Year 2009 (FY09) PRMRP received a $50 million congressional appropriation to fund research across 19 topic areas including tinnitus. This is the second consecutive year that tinnitus research proposals have been eligible for funding under this program.

Consumer reviewers are asked to represent the collective view of their community including survivors and patients, family members, and persons at risk for the disease or condition.  Specifically, they are asked to score and comment on the potential impact of the proposed study on issues such as disease prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life after treatment. Mitchell and Chinnis joined a group of 65 consumer advocates who participated in the scientific peer review of applications submitted to the FY09 PRMRP and participated in the review of each research application on the panel. 

Commenting on his role as a consumer reviewer, Chinnis said that, "This program has resulted in a number of proposals that would have been impossible to conduct even just a few years ago. The quality and focus of several proposals were well above that of even the most insightful past proposals, helping to put tinnitus research into the front ranks of medical research." Mitchell, who served his second term as a consumer reviewer added, “The proposals covered the spectrum of open questions regarding tinnitus, which emphasized that tinnitus treatment can be approached from many different angles - some day soon perhaps we will be able to customize tinnitus therapy to the individual patient."

Consumer advocates and scientists have worked together in this unique partnership to evaluate the scientific merit of research proposals submitted to the various programs managed through the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) since 1995.  Captain E. Melissa Kaime, M.D., Director of the CDMRP, expressed her appreciation for the consumer advocates’ perspective in the scientific peer review sessions. “The Consumer Reviewers on each panel helped the scientists understand the patient’s perspective and provided valuable insight into the potential impact of the proposed project. Likewise, these important members of the peer review panels have been enriched by learning more about the scientific process through discussing proposals with the other peer review panel members and seeing the future possibilities of successful research outcomes.”

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For Immediate Release
July 1, 2009

For Immediate Release                                                               
September 30, 2008                                                                          

Scientific Peer Review of PRMRP Research Proposals for the Department of Defense

Portland, Ore. - Consumer advocate Scott C. Mitchell, JD, recently participated in the evaluation of research proposals submitted to the Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program (PRMRP) sponsored by the Department of Defense (DoD). Mitchell was nominated for participation in the program by The American Tinnitus Association (ATA) located in Portland, Oregon. As a consumer reviewer, he was a full voting member, along with prominent scientists, at meetings to determine how Congress’ FY08 appropriation of $50 million will be spent on future biomedical research in several different scientific areas.  Mitchell also serves the ATA as chairman of their board of directors.

Consumer reviewers are asked to represent the collective view of disease survivors and patients, family members, and persons at risk for disease, when they prepare comments on the impact of the research on issues such as disease prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life after treatment. Mitchell was one of 35 consumer advocates who participated in the September 2008 peer review meetings and provided comments and scores for research proposals. Commenting on his role as a consumer reviewer, Mitchell said that “This event was very well organized by the U.S. Army Medical Research & Material Command in a way that focused the best scientific minds on the immediate medical problems facing the armed forces. Tinnitus, often called ‘ringing in the ears’, can be a very disabling condition and has a disproportionate impact on veterans who have endured the blast and noise of war fighting. The advocacy efforts put forth by ATA to serve both its constituency and America’s military personnel has paid off in the form of research funding available for some extremely meritorious scientific proposals after a thorough review process.”

Consumer advocates and scientists have worked together in this unique partnership with CDMRP to evaluate the scientific merit of research proposals since 1995, although this is the inaugural year for Consumer participation in the PRMRP program. Captain E. Melissa Kaime, M.D., Director of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs, expressed her appreciation for the consumer advocates’ perspective in the scientific review sessions. “They have provided valuable insight into funding decisions and helped the scientists understand the consumers’ perspective of innovative research. Likewise, the consumer advocates have been enriched by learning more about human disease through discussing proposed research with scientists and seeing the future hopes of successful research.”

More than 800 research proposals have been reviewed for FY08 funds. Scientists applying propose to conduct innovative research aimed at the elimination of various diseases. Proposals were solicited across all disciplines, including basic, clinical, social, and psychosocial sciences and in a variety of topic areas. 

More information about the Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program is available at the website: http://cdmrp.army.mil.

About the American Tinnitus Association
The American Tinnitus Association, headquartered in Portland, Ore., is the nation’s foremost organization committed to curing tinnitus. Founded in 1971, ATA has contributed millions of dollars to medical research projects focused on curing tinnitus. The association also provides information on tinnitus to the public, conducts tinnitus seminars for medical professionals and advocates for effective public policies that support its mission of curing tinnitus. www.ata.org.

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For Immediate Release
July 1, 2008                                                           

 The American Tinnitus Association Names Gary Reul Ed.D. as CEO
- Former Educator Brings 40 years of Experience to National Organization -

Portland Ore. – The American Tinnitus Association (ATA) has appointed Gary Reul, Ed.D., its new CEO. ATA is the nation’s foremost organization committed to curing tinnitus.

 “As an individual who is afflicted with both tinnitus and hyperacusis [sensitivity to sound], I understand deeply the needs and concerns of tinnitus sufferers and all of our supportive members,” said Reul. “Having served on ATA's Board of Directors, I have long supported the organization's research direction, established and approved by the board."

An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from tinnitus, a chronic and debilitating condition often described as ringing, hissing or buzzing in the ears. The number one known cause of tinnitus is exposure to extreme noise. This very difficult condition afflicts people of all ages, but disproportionately impacts veterans and military personnel. Tinnitus is currently the number one service-connected disability affecting veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF).

“It is evident that the time to increase both public awareness and research funding for tinnitus is now,” said Scott Mitchell, chairman of the ATA Board of Directors. “At this critical time, when the incidence of tinnitus is increasing at alarming rates in various populations, the research community has never been more optimistic about finding a cure. I can’t think of anyone more qualified and dedicated to fulfilling ATA's mission and able to lead this organization than Gary Reul,” Mitchell concluded.

Recent advances in both basic and clinical research have led tinnitus investigators to the notion that a cure is possible. Breakthroughs in medical imaging technologies, such as functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), now allow tinnitus researchers, for the first time, to "see" tinnitus on a screen while evaluating tinnitus patients. The isolation of this variable has given hope to the research community that this condition, once considered an "invisible injury," can now not only be seen in real time, but also be cured.

“Since ATA is in close contact with researchers around the world, we offer an opportunity for tinnitus sufferers to contribute to research through our organization as an ultimate way to cure their malady,” said Reul. Over the past two years, ATA’s member base has grown and our ability to fund research has also increased. Additionally, ATA’s advocacy program was successful in increasing federal funding for tinnitus research through the Department of Defense (DoD) 2008 fiscal year budget. “It is imperative that we continue this momentum of increasing the amount of dollars being contributed and appropriated for tinnitus research,” concluded Reul.

Reul earned his doctorate in leadership from Seattle University with a strong background in organizational development. Gary has been a teacher, counselor and school district administrator. He has also served as an administrator in the Superintendent of Public Instruction office in Olympia, Wash. He has taught graduate level courses at several universities and is also enjoying being a grandfather for the first time.

Additionally, Gary has been a volunteer in the city of Issaquah, Wash., most recently as a member and chair of the Issaquah Arts Commission and on the Issaquah Library Board.

About the American Tinnitus Association
The American Tinnitus Association, headquartered in Portland, Ore., is the nation’s foremost organization committed to curing tinnitus. Founded in 1971, ATA has contributed millions of dollars to medical research projects focused on curing tinnitus. The association also provides information on tinnitus to the public, conducts tinnitus seminars for medical professionals and advocates for effective public policies that support its mission of curing tinnitus. www.ata.org.

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For Immediate Release
September 13, 2007                                                 

Biggest Breakthroughs to Curing Tinnitus in Decades
 - Medical Imaging Technologies Bring Researchers Closer To a Cure -

PORTLAND, Ore. – The American Tinnitus Association (ATA) is celebrating advances in scientific research that have allowed investigators to visualize or “see” where and when tinnitus is present in a patient. Tinnitus once referred to as an “invisible injury” can now be seen using medical imaging technologies like fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging), PET (positron emission tomography) and magnetoencephalography (MEG).

An estimated 16 million Americans suffer with chronic tinnitus, a debilitating condition often described as ringing, hissing or roaring in the ears. For those 16 million, the condition ruthlessly reduces their quality of life and compromises their cognitive abilities. Up to 2 million Americans, are so debilitated they often are unable to work, leave home or interact with family and friends.

“During the past decade scientists have been able to pinpoint sites of abnormal brain activity that may be responsible for the phantom sound of tinnitus,” said, Richard Salvi, current chair of ATA’s Scientific Advisory Committee, and Director of the Center for Hearing and Deafness at SUNY Buffalo.  Salvi noted, “Older MRI machines only produced static images showing the anatomy of the brain.”  Newer fMRI, MEG machines and PET scanners allow documentation of the changes in brain activity associated with the perception of tinnitus. Now that tinnitus is visible, the scientific community is better equipped to understand what regions of the brain are likely to give rise to these debilitating phantom sounds. “During the past decade, there have been tremendous advances in tinnitus research.  We are now able to experiment with new forms of treatments, like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), sound therapies, electrical stimulation of the inner ear (cochlear implants) and pharmacological approaches that the scientific community hopes will lead to cures for tinnitus,” added Salvi.

Scott Mitchell, chair of the Board of Directors of the ATA, explained, “Combine all public and private funding for tinnitus research and you have only $3 million to pay for critically needed research on this condition. That hardly allows you to have a viable global research effort!”   All the money spent on tinnitus research per year is less than the cost of one M1 Abrams battle tank. “ATA’s mission is to help raise the money and develop the resources needed to put more researchers to work expediting a cure,” Mitchell added.

ATA Taking Action

To increase public and political awareness about the need to increase funding for tinnitus research, ATA recently created an Action Alliance as part of its advocacy program. The alliance gives supporters an opportunity to join in a grassroots effort with others affected by tinnitus across the country. The alliance will seek funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and the Department of Defense (DoD). “The grassroots effort will assist in achieving ATA’s goal of increasing public funding for research at the federal level, while we are also working to increase private philanthropy funds,” Mitchell said.

Last year, the VA added 51,360 veterans to those already receiving disability payments for service-connected tinnitus, bringing the total to nearly 400,000.  “If service-connected tinnitus continues on the upward trend we’ve seen over the past five years, we’ll be paying out over $1 billion just in compensating our veterans for tinnitus by 2010,” said ATA’s Mitchell. “Think about how much closer we’d be to a cure if even one-quarter of that money were available for research.”

ATA is leading the way toward a cure to restore silence to the 50 million Americans who experience tinnitus to some degree. ATA’s advocacy campaign is one of both urgency and commitment. For information about how to join the fight to cure tinnitus or to become an ATA member visit ATA’s website, www.ata.org.

About the American Tinnitus Association

The American Tinnitus Association exists to cure tinnitus through the development of resources that advance tinnitus research. Founded in 1971, it has raised and allocated millions of dollars toward medical research projects focused on curing tinnitus. In addition, the Association advocates for public policies to support its mission of curing tinnitus.
It is headquartered in Portland, Oregon.

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