About ATA

Mission: The American Tinnitus Association (ATA) exists to cure tinnitus through the development of resources that advance tinnitus research.

A national leader

The nonprofit American Tinnitus Association is the nation’s foremost organization working to cure tinnitus. Our board and staff work with researchers, tinnitus sufferers, donors, legislators and other concerned individuals to support vital tinnitus research. The researchers we fund work hard to discover the sources of tinnitus, to identify the best methods that will help people cope with their tinnitus and, especially, to find a cure for this often devastating condition.

A major funding source

Since 1980, ATA has awarded more than $4 million providing researchers with “seed” money to launch their work. Some of these researchers have gone on to receive large grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) based on their early, ATA-funded work. Read about our newly funded research, currently funded research and past ATA-funded research .

ATA is at the forefront of a campaign to convince members of Congress and other policymakers about the urgent need to fund tinnitus research. Our support programs offer help – and hope – to tinnitus patients as they cope daily with this frustrating, and sometimes debilitating, condition.

How we began - the history of ATA

ATA began with vision, compassion and a drive to help so many suffering with tinnitus who had virtually been sent home to suffer alone by practitioners who did not have the knowledge base or support they needed to adequately diagnosis and treat patients with tinnitus. Read on.

Who's who at ATA

ATA's board of directors

A collection of dynamic, bright and experienced professionals makes up our board of directors. Audiologists, researchers, advocates, from all over the United States have been instrumental in developing an organization committed to funding tinnitus research and a vision to get us there.

The Scientific Advisory Committee

Our Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), made up of scientists who are leaders in the field of tinnitus, is responsible for selecting the recipients of our grant awards twice each year. In addition, they developed the Roadmap to a Cure a plan that is getting us closer and closer to our mission. Grant applicants must demonstrate the relevance of their proposal to the Roadmap.

Meet the ATA staff

Each staff member at ATA is passionate about their work. They support our mission by raising funds, shepherding research projects, publishing Tinnitus Today (ATA's magazine), assisting those calling ATA for help, contacting legislators and working with a wonderful crew of volunteers spread throughout the U.S.

Nonprofit status

The American Tinnitus Association is a 501(c)(3) association and donations are tax-deductible. We include here our form 990 tax return for the tax year beginning 7/1/05 and ending 6/30/06.

How we make a difference: ATA's annual reports

In this time of unprecedented need, the American Tinnitus Association continues to grow. More than an organization of scientists and professionals, we are doctors, patients, researchers, staff and volunteers working together towards a common goal: to silence ringing in the ears. Fueling our efforts are members throughout the country. With your help, we are researching tinnitus treatment options and pathways to a cure, responding to tinnitus patients with information and support, and improving the lives of people with tinnitus through advocacy.

Learn more about our programs and activities by reviewing our annual reports. The reports are in .pdf format.

2007 ATA Annual Report
2006 ATA Annual Report