Letters to the Editor Continued from Page 5


It’s possible that ATA-funded research in general has contributed to the literature that led to this theory and eventual finding.


How Do We Measure the Progress of Tinnitus Research?


I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all the staff at ATA. Your publication is one of the very few resources that a tinnitus patient can refer to and get some degree of hope that something is being done toward the cure. I wish Tinnitus Today could be published more frequently than three times a year. I read all the articles not just once but many times, especially when I feel down.


I have one general question. How do we gauge the progress toward understanding and treatment of tinnitus compared to 10 years ago? I know that there is still no cure for it today, but do we understand it more? Do we have better means of diagnosis and treatment? It would be beneficial if one article in Tinnitus Today is devoted to the progress versus many years ago giving examples of what is new today that we didn’t have then.


Thanks again, Paul Ghossi Tarrytown, New York ATA Member since 2003


Editor’s note: It’s my hope that as you all read this issue of Tinnitus Today many of the questions asked in Paul’s letter will be answered. In short, there are new treatments that are being tried today for tinnitus relief that were not even possible 10 years ago because of the greater understanding of the complex neu- ral networks involved in tinnitus perception and manifestation.


rTMS for the Treatment of Chronic Tinnitus: Optimization by Stimulation of the Cortical Tinnitus Network


Continued from Page 13


If those changes go along with an improvement of tinnitus, con- clusions can be drawn about the neural mechanisms underlying the tinnitus percept. Additionally, this may help to identify patients who will benefit from rTMS prior to the treatment.


First results


In a pilot study, we have already applied the new rTMS protocol in some patients with chronic tinnitus. Multisite stimulation was well tolerated by all patients who were


A Gift of Hope Continued from Page 13


donated funds to many institutions and research projects to further the study of infectious diseases, cancer, stem cells, and mental health. And then it happened – a few years ago Walter developed tinnitus and contacted the American Tinnitus Association. Walter refused to accept the medical establishment’s opinion that there was no cure. He was already extremely knowledgeable, having explored all the avenues of treatment currently pursued. He continued to seek out and try different treatments and became more and more frustrated that nothing was working for him. During one particular conversation with ATA, Walter said he wanted to help fund tinnitus research.


The Walter and Lucille Rubin Foundation was used for two grants: a $50,000 grant was awarded to Josef Rauschecker, Ph.D., at Georgetown University, to study tonotopic map reorganization as it relates to frequency discrimination; and a $50,000 grant to Berthold Langguth, M.D., Ph.D, University of Regensburg, to assist and continue Dr. Langguth’s current studies on rTMS for the treatment of tinnitus. Believing this


14 Tinnitus Today | Summer 2012


research holds great promise, Walter and Lucille have personally visited Dr. Langguth in Germany to see firsthand how it is pro- gressing. Walter said of Dr. Langguth, “He is a kind, considerate man who urgently wants to find a cure for tinnitus.” The Rubins feel strongly that deep brain stimu- lation holds untold benefits for a variety of neurological disorders, including tinnitus. This analysis is what initially attracted them to Dr. Langguth’s research. You can read more about both of these newly funded studies on Page 15.


Walter has stated, “I am fortunate enough to be able to seek out the help I need to conquer this unfortunate and frustrating affliction. We are happy to be able to help the American Tinnitus Association’s efforts to help many millions of people suffering from this condition and hope for positive results in the near future.”


On behalf of all who suffer with tinnitus, ATA thanks the Rubins for their dedication and commitment to helping all who are still searching for a successful treatment, and who want to someday find peace from tinnitus.


treated and no serious side effects were observed. Compared to clas- sical stimulation, the new multi- site stimulation protocol led to a more pronounced and a longer lasting improvement of tinnitus severity. This better long-term effect is a very promising result which underscores the relevance of network stimulation and highly encourages us to explore both the clinical and neurobiological effects of the new protocol in more detail.


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