VIENNA, VIRGINIA — The American Tinnitus Association (ATA) today announced a $2.7 million legacy gift made possible by a long-time donor.
“In a year of extraordinary turmoil and hardship, this bequest is humbling and received with deep gratitude. As a smaller nonprofit with a sizeable mission, this donation is transformational and will enable us to broaden activities that serve the tinnitus community, including funding strategic long-term research,” said Torryn P. Brazell, ATA chief executive officer.
For almost 50 years, the ATA has been the nation’s foremost trusted organization committed to finding solutions and treatments for tinnitus, a chronic condition often referred to as “ringing in the ears.” Tinnitus affects an estimated 10 to 15 percent of the U.S. adult population and has no cure. For most people, the invisible condition, while annoying, is manageable. But for about 20 percent of people with tinnitus, the condition is highly stressful, often interfering with sleep, concentration, and one’s general sense of well-being. For several million people, the sound, which can present as ringing, clicking, whooshing, and other noises, is so disruptive that it can trigger anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation.
“We know that the donor struggled with tinnitus. We will be honoring his memory by naming a new research grant in his name, cultivating researchers who hold the key to a future without tinnitus. This gift also allows us to expand our Tinnitus Advisors Program (TinnAP), which provides quick access to meaningful tinnitus guidance. TinnAP operates seven days a week and ensures that if someone is critically bothered by tinnitus, they will receive compassionate and effective guidance from a qualified professional.”
–Jill Meltzer, AuD, ATA Board Chair.
If your tinnitus is causing distress, getting help is crucial. Call 1-800-634-8978, if you need general guidance on tinnitus management and seeking care.
About the ATA
The core purpose of the American Tinnitus Association is to promote relief, prevent, and find cures for tinnitus, evidenced by its core values of compassion, credibility, and responsibility. The ATA fulfills its mission by (1) providing education and support to the tinnitus community; (2) advocating for effective public policies focused on advancing awareness of tinnitus and research for cures and better treatments; (3) funding targeted research projects; and (4) collaborating with stakeholders to promote the prevention of tinnitus.
The leading cause of tinnitus is exposure to loud sound that damages an individual’s auditory system; the second leading cause is head or neck trauma. Tinnitus also is the leading service-connected disability for U.S. veterans.
The ATA is wholly funded by individual donors and companies to fulfill its critical mission. Please donate and/or consider becoming a member so the ATA can continue to improve the quality of life for those living with tinnitus and to educate the public on its prevention. See https://www.ATA.org for more information.
As long as this goes towards cures that lower or remove the tinnitus it’s all good.
If the money is used for psychological therapy or “ways to live with tinnitus”, then it’s a waste.
We don’t want to “live” with it you know, we want the noise to go away.
Please put the money towards research for actual cures. Please, please.