A Message from ATA’s Executive Director
This summer marks three years since I was appointed to the role of Executive Director at the American Tinnitus Association. During this time, I’ve had a real opportunity to speak with and learn from some of ATA’s core members – patients, researchers and tinnitus health professionals alike. What I’ve concluded is that most people come to ATA because they’re seeking help or information of some sort. And depending on your connection to ATA, the nature of your request might be slightly different, but the reason you came to ATA is all the same. Because for 40+ years ATA has been the cred- ible resource for tinnitus informa- tion and support, as well as being known as pioneers in the field of research.
The core of ATA’s mission is to develop resources that advance tinnitus research. Because of that, each summer we dedicate Tinnitus Today to informing you on the latest and greatest in the world of tinnitus research. New treatments, coverage of scientific conferences that are helping to advance research toward a cure, and answers straight from investigators on the current state of tinnitus research – we cover it all.
ATA’s Board of Directors recently approved several research grants. On Page 15 you can read about these grants, why they’re impor- tant and how they fit into one of the four paths on ATA’s Roadmap to a Cure. One of the grants was the direct result of a donation by ATA supporters Walter and Lucille Rubin. The Rubins were so impressed by the work of Berthold Langguth, M.D., Ph.D., that they gave a generous gift to ATA that was designated specifically for Berthold’s research. They also provided a second donation that funded another of this year’s grants. You can read more about
4 Tinnitus Today | Summer 2012
the Rubins and why they funded Dr. Langguth’s work on Page 13.
Dr. Langguth is a founding member of the Tinnitus Research Initiative (TRI), ATA’s European ally in the fight to silence tinnitus. TRI recently held their sixth interna- tional tinnitus research conference in Belgium and ATA board mem- ber Scott C. Mitchell, J.D., was in attendance. He has contributed some impressions from the confer- ence for your reading pleasure on Page 24, including thoughts on several ground-breaking studies.
Each summer we dedicate Tinnitus Today to informing you on the latest and greatest in the world of tinnitus research. New treatments, coverage of scientific con- ferences that are helping to advance the science toward a cure, and answers straight from the scientific community on the current state of tinnitus research – we cover it all.
The Jack Vernon Walk to Silence Tinnitus once again played a dra- matic role in advancing tinnitus research. Thanks to a generous matching gift opportunity from several of our major donors, in 2012 we were able to raise the most money we’ve ever raised from a Walk. Because all donations to the Walk are restricted for research, at minimum we will be able to fund two regular grants and two graduate student grants, just from the money raised from the Walk. Now that’s something we can all get excited about!
I know that many of you reading Tinnitus Today found ATA as you were looking for information and support on tinnitus. Hopefully you have learned about existing treat- ment options and have located a tinnitus health professional in your area. If not, don’t give up as there are many doctors on ATA’s health professional listing that know how to diagnose and treat tinnitus. Visit
ATA.org/members to access this list at anytime.
As I mentioned earlier, ATA has been the “go-to” source for cred- ible tinnitus information for over four decades. It is my goal that we remain that resource for the many millions who have yet to find that necessary information. It is also my hope that once you have received help, you embrace the pursuit a cure for yourself and all those who suffer with you.
I hope you will be inspired and encouraged by what you read in the Summer 2012 Tinnitus Today. Thank you for your support and we look forward to a continued partnership with you in the quest for a tinnitus cure.
Thank You,
Michael Malusevic
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