VOLUME 12, NUMBER 4, DECEMBER 1987

THE AMERICAN TINNITUS ASSOCIATION

50 YRS. OF PAIN - & NOW RELIEF
WASHINGTON- As cameras grind in the back-
ground, two actors carrying guns creep from be-
hind a tree, quickly point their weapons and then
fire.
One actor staggers and grabs his easr in severe
pain. He has suffered what doctors call "acoustic
trauma" from the noise of a .38-caliber blank pistol
fired less than 6 inches from his ear.
From that moment in the 1930s, there has been
a constant, unremitting ringing, like a telephone
forever unanswered, sounding in the right ear of
Ronald Reagan, his doctor claims.
Dr. John House, President Reagan's personal
ear doctor, said that movie set accident almost half
a century ago destroyed the normal hearing in
Reagan's right ear, and there was little that could
be done about it until the 1980s.
Now, he said, Reagan wears a custom-made
hearing aid in each ear, giving him nearly normal
hearing in most circumstances. And, said House,
the hearing aid helps to dim the tinnitus, or ringing
in the ear, that started on that long-ago movie set.
IF YOU HAVE A COLD, DON'T FLY
> ! - : : ) _ : ~
Cllllll .. ....... j-:")
(Editors note: Many people who travel in airplanes
have noticed that sometimes their ears seem to
become plugged up and uncomfortable during
takeoff or landing. It is a common question for
people to ask if flying can make their tinnitus worse.
This recent release from Deafness Research Foun-
dation explains more fully the danger of acquiring
ear problems when flying. If you have questions
about your hearing, please contact your ear, nose
and throat specialist who is familiar with your par-
ticular case. In addition to hints for clearing the
ears given in this article, some people have benefit-
ted from wearing ear plugs during the ascent and
descent portions of the plane trip. If you do wear
ear plugs be sure to leave them in long enough for
the pressure in your ears to equalize- usually keep-
ing them in until you are within the main terminal
is sufficient.)
If you have a cold, don't fly.
And if you do, you may subject yourself to ear
damage. It's called aerotitis.
So serious is the problem that more than 2 million
cases of pressure related ear disorders occur each
(Cont. on page 5)
SURVEY RESULTS NOW AVAILABLE
RESULTS FROM THE TINNITUS SURVEY CON-
DUCTED IN JUNE 1986 ARE NOW READY TO
MAIL. YOU MAY RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF THE
SURVEY RESULTS BY SENDING A LARGE SELF-
ADDRESSED STAMPED (22) ENVELOPE WITH
THE WORD SURVEY WRITTEN IN THE LOWER
LEFT HAND CORNER.
page 1
MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE TMJ,
TINNITUS AND RELATED SYMPTOMS
by Douglas H. Morgan, A.B., B.S., D.D.S.
(Ed. Note. AT A has heard from many dentists that
they are able to help some people who have tinnitus
associated with dental problems. The most com-
mon of these problems are lumped into a category
called TMJ syndrome. The following article by the
president of the Temporomandibular Joint Re-
search Foundation is offered to help our readers
to better understand the TMJ. Dr. Morgan has said
that he is confident that TMJ disorders and related
muscle spasm are a main factor in many cases of
tinnitus. Most of us are not dentists and will there-
fore need to make liberal use of the Glossary which
follows this article. This article has been edited
slightly because of space constraints. For further
information about TMJ you may contact Dr. Morgan
at The Temporomandibular Joint Research Foun-
dation, 3043 Foothill Blvd., St.B, La Crescenta, CA
91214.)
In 1959 I was working with another oral surgeon
doing surgery for ankylosis, both bony and fibrous.
This condition is obvious as the patient is able to
open no more than a few millimeters or not at all.
We would surgically free the bony or fibrous union
and then place a vitallium implant that would pre-
vent refusion of the bone.
1
Some of these patients afterwards mentioned
to me they not only could open their mouths better,
but they no longer had headaches or neckaches.
Also, they stated the ringing sound in their ears
was better or eliminated entirely. Some stated their
hearing was improved, and others said their dizzi-
ness or nausea was better.
I asked them why they had not mentioned these
symptoms to me before? They stated "I told my
doctor about them, why would I mention them to
you, a dentist?" I understood, but I was intrigued
by their reactions to TMJ ankylosis surgery. The
only thing I learned about TMJ as an undergraduate
student at U.S.C. Dental School was that there was
a jaw joint, called the TMJ. It was variously misspel-
led and mispronounced. There was a dentist at
school, a Dr. Collins, who was interested in this
joint. He was, with some derision, called by the
students "Condyle Collins."
My early works about the TMJ were published
more than 20 years ago. s. s An article published in
197F, discussed the cases of five patients, three
of whom had tinnitus. In all three cases there was
an elimination or lessening of the tinnitus as a sec-
ondary effect of TMJ surgery using a Vitallium ar-
ticular eminence prosthesis. Three more patients
with tinnitus were discussed in a 1973 article.
8
Two
of the three had tinnitus before surgery and no
tinnitus after TMJ surgery. In this article for the first
time I discussed the work of Dr. Pinto
9
and Dr.
Goodfriend. '
0
Dr. Pinto came to the U.S. to get his
Ph.D. at the University of Pennsylvania, School of
Medicine. In his research, which was encouraged
by Dr. Goodfriend, he discovered a tiny structure
which had formerly been missing from textbooks
of anatomy. The significance of this research was
the establishment of a structural link between the
ear and the jaw. Pinto's description of his work
includes this statement: "A tiny ligament was found
connecting the neck of the anterior process of the
malleus to the medioposterior -superior part of the
capsule, the interarticular disc, and the spenoman-
dibular ligament. This fibrous layer of the tympanic
membrane seemed to be continuous with the struc-
ture. The tiny ligament has an embryologic origin
common with that of the malleus and incus."
I have called TMJ "The Great Imposter'' '' because
TMJ disorders mimic so many different disorders
and have so many different and seemingly unre-
lated symptoms. Bernstein, Mohl, and Spiller'
2
have
stated "Perhaps the most important ideas to convey
is that this syndrome of pain and dysfunction can
masquerade as acure or chronic diseases of the
ear, nose and throat. TMJ dysfunction produces
symptoms of recurrent temporal pain initially diag-
nosed as migraine, ear and mastoid pain, diag-
nosed as acute mastoiditis, fullness, tinnitus, and
vertigo, diagnosed as eustachian tube malfunction
or secretory otitis media; pain in the zygomatic arch
and fullness in the cheek diagnosed as acure
sinusitis; or pain in the preauricular area and gonia!
angle diagnosed as acure parotitis."
In 1976, in an article that appeared in JAMA, ,.
I commented that tinnitus can be one of the
symptoms of TMJ.
(Cont. on page 3)
oaae 2
MY EXPERIENCE, cont.
More recently an article in the Laryngoscope'
6
details a fourteen year study of the result of TMJ
implant surgery using Vitallium articular eminence
devices. This unique longitudinal study utilized a
questionnaire in which the patient was sent details
of his original TMJ questionnaire along with a new
questionnaire asking him to indicate whether those
original symptoms had improved. not changed. or
were worse. Additional data was collected on pain
symptoms and non-pain symptoms such as
nausea, dizziness and ringing in the ears. Data
was collected by an independent research group
and entered into a computer. The 14 year results
showed that of those who reported tinnitus, 21.7%
had total elimination of this symptom. 17.1% had
improvement, 19.4% had no change, and 6.2%
were worse. These patients who had surgery were
individuals who generally had already undergone
non-surgical TMJ therapy without results. There
was organic disease in the jaw joints, usually an
osteoarthritis. It was not difficult to extrapolate simi-
lar or better results might be obtained from non-
surgical treatment as well, if the problem is recog-
nized early on. It is my considered opinion, of nearly
30 years of seeing and treating TMJ patients, that
a significant percentage of tinnitus sufferers may
be suffering from one of the many manifestations
of TMJ disorders.
While there are many other causes of tinnitus
that are obvious and well known; TMJ disorders
still represent a cause that is not well recognized.
Nearly every individual with tinnitus should have a
TMJ work-up done by a dentist and/or physician
truly knowledgeable in diagnosis of this complex
disorder.
The problem exists, there are many who are
interested in the phenomena, who feel they are
"experts" who are not experts. There is a great
range of sophistication among people "treating"
this disorder. A complete TMJ work-up should in-
clude diagnostic x-rays of the joint and related bone
structures. The most reliable x-rays are transcranial
lateral oblique. Laminograms and arthrograms can
also be helpful. MRI will become more helpful.
There should be a complete and thorough joint and
muscle clinical examination as well as a com-
puterized electronic scan, (CES) or Mandibular
Kinesiograph (MKG) and electromyography (EMG)
to measure these areas. '
7
The skeletal and dental
relationships should be thoroughly studied. Con-
sultations from ENT and neurologic specialists are
often required.
Or. Welden Bell'
8
in a recent conversation stated
that the three most important things involved in
proper TMJ treatment are: Diagnosis----diagnosis--
-- diagnosis. This is really true; and to find dental
and/or medical doctors truly knowledgeable in TMJ
diagnosis is still difficult.
GLOSSARY FOR TMJ ARTICLE
AnkylOSIS
Anterior
Articular emtnence
capsule
Chordatympant nerve
embryologic
Eustachian tube
gonia! angle
Incus
Iter chordae anterius
labynnthine
dtsease
malleus
mandibular
artculation
mastoid
medopostertor-supertor
meniscus
OSSICle$
OsteoarthritiS
parotttis
preauncular area
secretory otilis
media
sphenomandibular
ligament
TMJ
tympanic membrane
vitalhum
xrays
zygomatic arch
Fuson of IWo bones In a toinl so It no longer moves
Toward the fronl
The forward functioning part of the socket portion of the jaw jotnt
(TMJ)-the condyle, or 'ball' slides down and over this bump when
the 1aw opens
a saCk surrounding a joint somettmes called the articular capsule
- region ol jaw motion
A branCh ol a cramal nerve that g1ves feeling to the tongue
refers to the development of a structure before btrth
Connects the middle ear to the back ot the throat - helps to equalize
pressure tn tho ear
the bottom, back. outs.de corner ol the 1awbone
(anvil). the middle of the tllree middle ear bones which transfer
energy lrom the tympa01c membrane tear drum) to the mner ear
Open1ng 1n jaw jotnt socket for entry & extt ol nerves and ligaments
referring to the canals of the inner ear and usually to problems of
balance
(hammer), largesl ol the m1ddle ear bones
movement of the jaw - the mandible is the only truly movable
bone In the lace
the back part ol the temporal bone - contains many a11 cells, the
larger cavlttes are lined w1th mucous membrane
mlddletoward the baCk - upper end
synonym for dtsc. There aJe two discs Involved tn jaw movement:
an articular disc, and an Interarticular diSC In this case the discs
are between the condyle and the tomporal bOne where movement
ol the jaw takes place
Refers 10 the small bones of lhe middle ear
arthrihs caused from wear and tear Injury - not Aheumatood
systemic d1sease
Inflammation ol the parot1d gland - mumps
'" front of the auncle (the external ear)
accumulation of nu1d In the middle ear causng conducttve heartng
loss
connects the mandtble wtth the sphenoid bone (helps stabti<Ze the
lower 1aw)
Temporomandubular 101nt, the 1aw JOint. the upper pan, !he 'socket
(fossa). is part of fhe lemporal bOne, the lower part. the 'ball' (con
dyle), is part of the mandible.
ear drum - transfers sound energy to the middle ear bones
a cobalt chromium alloy used In the repatr of body parts
larntnogram x-ray of a th1n section of a body part
arthrogram - xray aher opaque matenal has been Introduced
1nto a jotnt.
CMS Computerized mandibular scan- electromc measurement
of jaw movement
EMG - electromyography - measures the electnc current ol
muscJe function
MKG ~ mandibular kinesiograph - graphs the movement of the
Jawbone
MAl magnebc resonance 1maging (provides x-ray like ptctures
w1thout radahon)
TCLO - 1fanscran1allateral oblique - refers to the angle or plane
of the xray Image
cheekbone - also articulates with tile temporal bone (the inner ear
IS embedded 1n the temporal bone)

BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Christensen, R. W. The correction of mandibu-
lar ankylosis corrected by creating a false
stainless steel fossa. Jrl So. Cal. State Dental
Assoc., 6:286-89, 1960.
2. Costen, J. B. Syndrome of ear and sinus
symptoms dependent upon disturbed function
of the TMJ. Ann. Otol. Rhino. Laryn. 43:1.
March, 1934.
(Cont. on page 4)
page 3
BIBLIOGRAPHY, cont.
3. Costen, J. B. Neuralgia and ear symptoms as-
sociated with disturbed function of the tem-
poromandibular joint. JAMA, 297:252, 1936.
4. Goodfriend, D. J. Symptomatology and treat-
ment of abnormalities of mandibular articula-
tions. Dent. Cosmos, 75:844, 1933.
5. Morgan, D. H. Diagnosis of temporomandibu-
lar joint problems. Jrl So. Cal. State Dental
Assoc., 33:11, November, 1965.
6. Morgan, D. H. Mandibular joint pathology.
Dental Radiography & Photography, 43:1, 3-11 ,
1970.
7. Morgan, D. H. Dysfunction, pain, tinnitus, ver-
tigo corrected by mandibular joint surgery. Jrl.
So. Cal. Dental Assoc. 39, July, 1971 .
8. Morgan D. H. Temporomandibular joint
surgery, correction of pain, tinnitus and vertigo.
Dental Radiography & Photography. 46:2,
1973.
9. Pinto, 0 . F. New structure related to the tem-
poromandibular joint and middle ear. Jrl
Prosthetic Dentistry, 12:1 , 95-103, Jan-Feb,
1962.
10. Goodfriend, D. J. Odontogenic dizziness and
related symptoms. In Spector, M.(ed) Dizzi-
ness and vertigo: Diagnosis and treatment,
Grune & Stratton, New York, 198-199, 1967.
11 . Morgan, D. H. The great imposter. Jrl Cal Den-
tal Assoc., 2:3, 51-58, 1974.
12. Bernstein, J. M. , Molll , N., Spiller, H. TMJ dys-
function masquerading as diseases of the ear,
nose and throat. Transactions Amer. Acad.
Opthalmology & Otolaryngology, 73:6, 1210-
11 , Nov-Dec, 1969.
13. Morgan, D. H. Surgical correction of tem-
poromandibular joint arthritis. Jrl Oral Surgery,
33: Oct, 1975.
14. Morgan, D. H. The great imposter, (diseases
of the temporomandibular joint). JAMA,
235:22, May 31 , 1976.
15. House, L. R. , Morgan, D. H. , et al. Clinical
evaluation of TMJ arthroplasties, with inserta-
tion of articular eminence prosthesis on ninety
patients (an eight year study) . Laryngoscope,
87:7, 1182-87, July, 1977.
16. House, L. R., Morgan, D. H., et al. Tem-
poromandibular joint surgery, results of a 14-
year implant study. Laryngoscope, 94:4, Apri l,
1984.
17. Jankelson, B. Modern diagnosis and man-
ageeent of museu loskeletal dysfunctions of the
head & neck; diseases of the temporoman-
dibular apparatus, a multidisciplinary ap-
proach, Morgan, D. H., et al. C. V. Mosby,
St.Louis, Missouri , 1982.
18. Bell , W. Temporomandibular, classification,
diagnosis, management. Year Book Medical
Publishers, Inc. , Chicago, London, 2nd Edi -
tion, 1986.
ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY
BOARD MEETING
Chicago, Illinois - September 1987
The AT A advisors met at the Hyatt Regency
Hotel, which was the headquarters for the American
Academy of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck
Surgery convention.
AT A's Executive Director, Gloria Reich, opened
the meeting by introducing a guest from Chicago,
Ms. Marion Schenk. Ms. Schenk is an ATA volunteer
who has helped facilitate tinnitus self-help and sup-
port. Gratitude was expressed to Ms. Schenk for
taking time from her busy law practice to help ATA
with the convention display and for providing infor-
mation for the advisory board from the patient's
point of view.
Gloria discussed the various activities that ATA
has been involved with during the past year. She
reported that A TA has continued their affiliation with
the National Voluntary Health Agencies for the
Combined Federal Giving Campaign and dona-
tions from this program accounted for 14.9% of the
revenues for the past fiscal year.
Efforts have been made to secure advertising
to help pay for the cost of the AT A Newsletter.
There was some concern on the part of the advisory
council that ATA should be cautious about adver-
tising and perhaps publish a disclaimer statement
that the inclusion of ads does not mean an endorse-
ment for the advertisers or their products.
Monies are available for grants to support tin-
nitus research. Proposals can be submitted toATA
with budgets up to $1 0,000. The ATA did support
selected projects during the past year and Gloria
advised the board members to encourage any re-
searchers in this field to submit a proposal which
is reviewable by the Advisory Board.
There is a legitimate concern about referral of
patients to faci lities which are not interested in the
management of tinnitus patients. The A TA has at-
tempted to purge the referral li sts and supply only
names of clinicians interested in this problem. It is
discouraging from the patient's standpoint to re-
ceive a referral and find that the clinic is no longer
engaged in treating patients with this symptom. It
was suggested by one of the board members that
a number of tinnitus complaints can be resolved
medicall y or surgically and it is unfortunate that
more effort is not made to assist these patients.
Pre publication copies of the results of the 1986
Tinnitus Survey were distributed to the board mem-
bers.
There is still a need to identify a candidate for
national chairman of the American Tinnitus Associ-
ation. Gloria asked the members of the board to
provide names of people who might satisfy there-
quirements for this position.
(Cont. on page 5)
page 4
ANNUAL SCIENTIFIC ADVISORY ... cont.
Announcement was made that the 1987 A TA
Research Award, a memorial to previous national
chairman, Bob Hocks, was awarded to Dr.
Jonathan Hazell at the Ill International Tinnitus
Seminar in Muenster, West Germany, in June.
Robert M. Johnson, Ph.D
Chairman, Pro-tem

BIBLIOGRAPHY NOTICE
. !he ATA now offers a Tinnitus Bibliography con-
taming over 1300 references listed in alphabetical
order by author. It is available to ATA members for
$25.00 (plus $1 .00 shipping and handling for or-
ders from outside the United States). We also offer
a bibliography search service from which members
may l!stings of articles on a particular subject
area of t1nn1tus. Some of these subject headings
are TMJ, physical trauma, noise, diving & tinnitus,
and heanng loss. For these and other subject list-
ings, there 1s a basic search fee of $5.00 plus an
additional charge of .25 per source over 15
sources. For more information contact:
ATA TINNITUS BIBLIOGRAPHY
PO BOX 5
PORTLAND, OR 97207

NORWEST TINNITUS
SYNTHESIZERS NEEDED
A TA has received a number of requests from
people wishing to obtain Norwest Tinnitus Synthe-
sizers for use in testing and evaluating tinnitus.
Because this equipment is not currently being mar-
ATA has offered to help prospective users
ftnd Norwest Synthesizers that may
be avatlable for resale. ATA is also able to accept
used synthesizers as a tax-deductible donation. If
you have a Norwest Synthesizer (see photo) that
you are not usmg, write or telephone ATA. (503-
248-9985)
IF YOU HAVE A COLD, cont.
year from changes in air pressure when an airplane
descends.
And at this state of technology, little can be done
to protect air passengers with a cold or upper re-
sptratory problem from possible ear damage, says
Dr. Walter A. Petryshyn, medical director of the
Deafness Research Foundation.
"As more people fly, the number of cases of ear
problems will continue to escalate," says Dr. Pet-
ryshyn.
To try to avert trouble, a passenger can chew gum .
yawn, pinch his nose gently and blow - and use
nasal decongestants a half-hour before descent
he says. '
The ear problems manifest themselves through
symptoms ranging from mild inflammation of the
ear to more severe and relatively rare inner-ear
trouble.
"During descent from flight a person's ear drum is
subjected to rapid pressure change," says Dr. Pet-
ryshyn. "If the Eustachian tube doesn't equalize air
fast enough to cope with this change,
aerotttts can result "
"This is due to failure of the Eustachian tube to
open spontaneously and an inability to open the
tube by deliberate means (such as yawning, chew-
Ing gum or gently pinching your nose and blow-
ing)."
In its mildest form, aerotitis causes a feeling of
pressure in the ear and some pain, which usually
abates after the plane has landed. The passengers
may complain of some hearing loss, but for the
most part this is transient.
"Most air travel persons regard this as a normal
result of flying," Dr. Petryshyn says.
But in many cases the symptoms can be more
severe, with passengers having severe pains in
ear; experiencing tinnitus, or a ringing sensation
tn the ear; having the disturbing sensation of hear-
ing his own voice amplified and distorted, and suf-
fering vertigo or dizziness.
Serious inner-ear trauma may occur when a fistula
in the oval or round windows of the fragile
tnner ear structure. Endo-lymphatic fluid leaks out
causing hearing loss and dizziness. '
"This problem may not be reversible," says Dr. Pet-
ryshyn. "And ruptures of the inner-ear membranes
can result in a total hearing loss."
page 5
YOUR LETTERS WERE EFFECTIVE-
KEEP WRITING!
A joint bill was recently introduced by Con-
gressman Claude Pepper and Senator Tom Harkin
proposing to create a separate Institute to be
named NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS
AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS. It
is vitally important that each of us let our legislators
know that we want them to support this bi ll. It may
not appear on the surface that tinnitus research
will be benefitted but you can be sure that it will.
Having a separate institute devoted to hearing will
allow a much greater emphasis on solving all prob-
lems related to the ears.
We must let our representatives know how we
feel. Tell them about your personal experiences
with tinnitus, give them some facts. Let them know
that this affliction can compromise the quality of
life by affecting work productivity and social con-
tacts Tell them that a special census is needed to
properly identity the problems relating to tinnitus
and to hearing loss. The impact of tinnitus upon
our society is obscured because people who have
it usually live what appears to be a normal life.
Money that we spend to seek relief tor tinnitus is
often blended into general medical bills and not
separately identified which makes an economic as-
sessment of the problem nearly impossible.
Senator Daniel Moynihan has recently become
interested in having the Federal Government ad-
dress the problem of tinnitus. He has requested an
official report about tinnitus from the General Ac-
counting Office and a status report from the Na-
tional Institutes of Health. We will inform you of the
results of these reports in subsequent AT A News-
letters. Senators Lawton Chiles and Lowell Wiecker
have also become interested in tinnitus, and they
would like to receive letters from you telling them
what it is like to Jive with tinnitus. Letters from doc-
tors and tinnitus health care professionals tell ing
how serious and widespread tinnitus is throughout
America will be extremely important for the Sena-
tors' information, so everyone please write those
letters today.
Don't forget to write to the presidential candi-
dates too. They are operating at the highest policy
setting level. How can they help us if they aren't
informed? Your local newspaper can provide you
with addresses for your representatives and for the
candidates. The complete list is too long to print
here. THANK YOU.
YOUR LETIER IS IMPORTANT! WRITE TODAY!
Senator Daniel Moynihan 464 Russell Senate Office
Bldg. Washington, D. C. 20510; Senator Tom Har-
kin 705 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C.
2051 0; Congressman Claude Pepper 2239
Rayburn House Office Bldg. Washington, D. C.
20515; Senator Lawton Chiles Attention: Carla
Lunetta 250 Russell Senate Office Bldg.
Washington, D.C. 2051 0; Senator Lowell Wiecker
Attention: Maureen Byrnes 225 Russell Senate Of-
fice Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510.
ANNUAL REPORT
SUMMARY OF ATA ACTIVITIES
DURING 1986-87
The American Tinnitus Association was incor-
porated as a non-profit association under the laws
of Oregon in November 1979. It is recognized as
tax exempt under 26 U.S.C. 501 (c) (3). AT A's pur-
pose is to carry on and support research and edu-
cational activities relating to treatment of tinnitus
and other defects or diseases of the ear. The every-
day business of the organization is carried out by
the Executive Director and two staff assistants. The
board of directors meets as required to establish
policy and make decisions. A national scientific
advisory board serves without compensation and
meets annually at the convention of the American
Academy of Otolaryngology. ATA is audited annu-
ally by an independent CPA and adopts and em-
ploys generally accepted accounting principles.
The financial reports of the organization are av-
ailable for inspection and indicate that 85.1% of its
1986 revenues were from sources other than the
Federal Government. Combined Federal Cam-
paign donations accounted for 14.1% of revenues.
Fund raising and administrative services were 9.3%
of revenues. ATA does not permit its mailing list to
be used for any purposes other than those of the
organization. ATA permits no payments or commis-
sions and does not solicit by telephone.
There is an active network of referral clinics and
self-help groups where people can receive ser-
vices in their local communities. These contacts
are avai lable through AT A's information and referral
program as well as being listed with local commu-
nity referral agencies. ATA's telephone number is
listed in the 'Yellow-Pages' in many major cities.
Initial information inquiries are most efficiently
handled when a self-addressed- stamped 39 en-
velope is sent to the AT A office. Telephone inquiries
and letters take longer.
In 1986 new research projects were supported
at the Oregon Hearing Research Center in the
areas of electrical stimulation for tinnitus relief, the
effect of aspirin on tinnitus, and at the University
of Iowa on the post-masking effects of tinnitus. Sup-
port was continued to the Tinnitus Data Registry
project of the Oregon Health Sciences University.
New research projects in 1987 included a grant to
the University of Louisville to study topographic
brain mapping as a possible diagnostic tool for
tinnitus. Support was provided to the University of
Rochester for a mai l survey about the psychological
components of tinnitus. An ATA mail survey was
completed by more than 13,000 individuals who
have tinnitus. These findings and those from an
evaluative study of the tinnitus self-help groups are
being published as part of the proceedings of the
Ill International Tinnitus Seminar (June, 1987).
(Cont. on page 7)
page 6
ANNUAL REPORT SUMMARY, cont.
Public awareness of the problem of tinnitus was
heightened during this last year through 5 public
service announcements for radio that are being
aired by radio stations in U.S. cities with popula-
tions greater than 50,000. Television public service
announcements featuring Tony Randall were pro-
duced 1n 1986 and are presently being aired nation-
wide Both the radio and TV announcements are
also carried on the Armed Forces Network. AT A
serv1ces were announced in the fall issues of the
Federal Army, Navy, and Air Force Times. A public
forum was held in Chicago, Illinois in September
1987. The 1988 public forum about tinnitus is being
planned for September, in Washington, DC. Mem-
bers of ATA participated in several televised inter-
views on local network and cable channels and at
least one of these shows was picked up for national
viewing. (ABC Network May 1987) The Ann Land-
ers column of January 20, 1986 referred to ATA
and brought over 115,000 letters of inquiry. An ar-
ticle about tinn1tus by ATA member Patricia Smith,
appeared in the September 1987 issue of McCalls
magazine. This article has brought thousands of
new inquiries to our office.
A TA funded the publication of the Proceedings
of the II International Tinnitus Seminar. This book
was distributed without charge to over 2500 ear
nose and throat phys1c1ans who subscribe to the
Journal of Laryngology and Otology. Additional
copies of the book are now available for sale from
ATA The book has also been distributed to 500
selected medical libraries in the US A new book,
Tinnitus, A Guide for Sufferers and Professionals,
has been provided to the AT A advisory board and
is available for individual purchase. (Details else-
where in this Newsletter.)
ATA is proud to belong to a coalition of hearing
health agencies who have worked to stimulate Fed-
eral programs for research. Legislation is now be-
fore congress to establish a separate institute within
the National institutes of Health that will be devoted
to research about hearing and communication
problems. Thank you to all who have helped in this
effort
AT A has sponsored the formation of more than
150 t1nnitus self-help groups in the U.S., Canada,
and overseas Guidelines for forming these groups
are provided by A TA as well as ongoing support
to the groups. Self-help group coordinators act as
a local contact for AT A in the1r community and along
with AT A referral clinics provide a community re-
source for the dissemination of information about
tinnitus. Some of the group members participate
actively in research projects within their area.
Others become involved in community projects
having to do with the prevention of hearing loss
and tinnitus. Supportive counseling for members
is provided by referral clinics and through self-help
group activities and is also available by telephone
from the ATA national office.
A demonstration program for training tinnitus
self-help group leaders is underway in San Fran-
cisco. This program w1ll be expanded to a series
of training workshops 1n 1988 or 1989.
Professional education was provided this year
through representation at the annual meetings of
the American Academy of Otolaryngology, Amer-
ican Speech and Hearing Association, and the Na-
tional Hearing Aid Society Fellowships for indi-
VIdual study at the Tinnitus Clinic are available for
qualified professionals
There is a steady demand for A TA printed ma-
terials. The ATA brochures - a free handout that
has a mailback card for informat1on requests is
widely distnbuted in professional offices along with
the brochures "Information about Tinnitus" and
"Coping with the Stress of Tinnitus." These are pro-
vided at cost to professionals who use them for
patient education. Tinnitus information has been
translated into Spanish and provided to those pro-
fessionals who have requested such material for
their clients.
A new brochure. Information from the Tinnitus
Survey, was announced 1n the September 1987
Newsletter. Another new brochure stressing "pre-
vention" and "protection from noise" is in prepara-
tion These will be available early in 1988.
ATA has been affiliated with the National Volun-
tary Health Agenc1es for the Combined Federal Giv-
ing Campaign since 1983 AT A is comm1tted to th1s
campa1gn and expects to provide regional special
training workshops for personnel from veterans and
military hospitals 1n the near future. AT A's director
serves on the budget and finance committee of the
National Committee of NVHA, and is chairman of
the budget and finance committee of the California
committee. ATA volunteers are active on many of
the state NVHA committees.
Donations from members continue to increase
but have not kept pace with the services that are
being provided. In 1986 ATA provided information
and referral services to approximately 125,000 suf-
ferers as well as providing those people and the
regular ATA members with the quarterly A TA
NEWSLETIER The current ma11ing list numbers
about 149,000.
Inquiries are received da1ly and processed in
batches of 200 or more in order to take advantage
of favorable postal rates The number of new re-
quests for information, when there 1s no 'spec1al'
media coverage, averages about 1000 per month
Research proposals are requested for the year
beginning November 1 , 1987 Advisory board mem-
bers should notify researchers of the availability of
research grants from AT A. As in the past, advisory
board members will be asked to read and comment
.on proposals that are being considered for funding
ATA has budgeted funds to support up to 5 prop-
osals with budgets of about $10,000. during the
coming fiscal year.
page 7
TRIBUTES
The ATA tribute fund is designated 1 00% for re-
search. Thank you to all those people listed below
for sharing your memorable occasions in this help-
ful way. Contributions are tax deductible and wi ll
be promptly acknowledged with an appropriate
card for the occasion. The gift amount is never
disclosed.
IN HONOR OF THE MARRIAGE OF RICHARD ALAN GARDNER,
M.D. AND PATRICIA ANNE LEFEVERE
CONTRIBUTORS:
Christina Romero Ann & Allan Crossman
DEEPESTSYMPATHY CONTRIBUTOR
Mrs. Blll Landreth Nancy & Jacques Simon
IN MEMORY OF HYMAN SILBOVITZ
CONTRIBUTORS:
Boll & Alle<d Eva & Alan Hopwood Carl & Judy Rosenthal
Herbet1 0 A1pet1 Karen and Sarah Ingber Mr & Mrs Nathan Sable
The Btooms Toby & S.d Kriger Mr & Mrs N. J. Schn81derman
Isabell$ Brodsky Phylhs & Jay Levone Ooros & lrvong Shal)lro
Bruce Cavaliet Mr & Mrs Moms Levine Mildred Sifbovrlz
Joan C Chenery Esther & Phi1op Levone Leona & lrvong Taylor
Thetma Cor as $1d & Rose levine LOalne & OaV1d T
Steven & LOts Corr EUen & George Lopl<a & Famoly Weston & Sampson Engoneers. Inc.
Sh1r1ey & Aoben Finkelsletn Mr & Mrs Fred E. lomas George Yphanles
Mrs. Norman Gurta Jeffrey & Robin Phllp Z1!man
Gayle & Jeft Helman
IN MEMORY OF CONTRIBUTOR IN HONOR OF CONTRIBUTOR
Dorothy Lvngston Glona & Howard Shave! le$11e Pertmuner EJ.Harn.s
OO<othy Uvlng$1on Harold A Landsman Jack Klugman Sylwa & Sam Esenberg
Mary J Walker Pat&JtmTonen Of. Jack Vernon Mrs. E. Kaplan
AaronSmth Len Mayer Mrs Mary Oe long Vk1or Gkwann
B&rnatd F\orence Elaone & Hat Waldman Chenlyn Hochberg
Henry Horsch Jean & Joe Wollson Beth Slater Margaret Slater
Rtchard Mishuk leoMishlll< Vannte M Bauer Herbert C. Bauer
Robert P Ahrens J A1am & T O<ucker Janet H Bur!lee Patnck Burke
ElheiW Bell Mr& Mrs E. Abramson My Husband Sherr.eKoy
Bemlce H Sa!sberg Mr & Mrs E. Abramson Or. John Emmett Luthe< J. Smoth,lll, M 0
Mollie Bad nor Mr & Mrs E. Abramson
BIRTHDAY CONTRIBUTOR
Ira C. Eaker
Ma(gatet L. Eaker Jules H Drucker J Alam & T Druel<er
Brothef
Mr & Mrs Sam Eosenberg Josoph A1am Trudy Drucker
Ida Sy1via & Sam Eosenberg Louis Froedman Charlene F1restone
Max Trutfelman Clalre&JaequesSrmon BIRTH
CONTRIBUTOR
Golbert Ryan LaRock Mr & Mrs Sam Hayward
Esther Abramson Mr & Mrs E. Atxamson Jeffrey vernon Hero'd
Mar)One M. Vernon
Mrs HJmmelman
Mr & Mrs E. Abfamson Jettrey Vernon Herok:l
Mary Ann Herold
HaraldA lee Mr & Mrs E. Abramson ANNIVERSARY
CONTRIBUTOR
John Van W1nkle Vtola EJkerenhotter Mr&MrsGeatgeCohan
Sylvia Abo<n
Mary Rapoport Fernande P. Ang1el Mr & Mrs Marion Vernon
MOJY Ann Herold
Mary Rapoport Robert T.
RETIREMENT
CONTRIBUTOR
Frank. At\!Otoette Aquaro John Aquaro. Sr.
Abram SOhmer. M. u
Jean &Joe Wo!lson
MaePerl<ey E1hel B. Ouad<o
CONTRIBUTOR
NEW HOME
Jack Wulllger R<Ch81d Wullrger
Mr & Mrs Robert Rosenthal Mamac1ta & Gramps
Mr & Mrs Ernest Melander Mrs R J. T ohulka
Mtldred Harcoun H Harcoun MARRIAGE
CONTRIBUTOR
Leonora Ma1darelll Ralph J. Maldarellr JayNovcn
J. Alam & T Drucker
YourOearMother Jean & Joe Wolfson
FRIENDSHIP
CONTRIBUTOR
Clo.tus M.Jones Joyce Jones GeorgeCrim
Edwin E. Loddell
Agnes Miller Betty Wondra
SPONSOR MEMBERS : SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER 1987
The<nas L. Akers J. Harvey Halhaway. M.D James J. Or1aS>c Abraham Shulman. M.D
Aoellard G. Allen Alfred E. Heller Paul A Patmen Ellen J. Van Buskork
John R Anderson Edward G KaltnowSkr Rtea.rdo J. R.amne.t Jack A. Vernon. Ph.D
John Aquaro Denn1s S. Kellher Mrs. R T. Regan Vernon E. WeslcoU
Russell S Beede Evelyn S. Leo The<nas Robertson Oaliee D. Wolloams
Bollero Construction Mrs. Allen Loeb Donald A. Ross W Wolg<tmuth
Mabel W Chaffin Ed leigh McMollan. II Morton Tabak Paul Zerbsl
John W Cnsantl, Sr Ruth R AndrewS Tarlow Oonan E. Z1edon1S
MD. Gr"\lO<Y A. Dawson John D. Mowry. M.D. James C. Totten
Barbara Goldst .. n. Ph D. Henry N. Nelson, M.O. Luther J Smllh, Ill

For more tnformallon wnte lo
AMERICAN TINNITUS ASSOCIATION
P 0 Box 5. Portland. OR 97207

A pnvale nonproftl corporallon under the laws ol Oregon
CORRECTION REQUESTED
TIMELY YEAR END GIVING
Do you know that your 1987 donation may provide
you with a greater tax deduction if you make the
gift before year-end? Check your records. It could
benefit both you and AT A if you make your contribu-
tion now!
--------------------------
In order to continue to receive the ATA Newsletter
I am enclosing my annual contribution to support
tinnitus research and education
$ 15 - $24 Contributing Member
$ 25 - $49 Supporting Member
$ 50 - $99 Sustaining Member
$100 or more Sponsor Member
Your contribution in any amount will be greatly
appreciated but we are unable to send receipts
for amounts less than $10.
OPTIONAL: Tribute Fund gifts
This special gift is in the name of:
In Memory of
(please check category)
In Honor of __ Birthday _ _
Anniversary __ Other (explain) __
Acknowledgement (card) to be sent to:
Name
Add res
City, State, Zip
Do you know of someone else who would like to
receive the AT A Newsletter?
Name
Address
City, State, Zip
PLEASE: Help us to keep your Newsletter coming
to you on time by providing us with a change of
address in advance of your move. The post office
does not forward Newsletters - they do provide us
with a new address (at 30 each)- but you usually
don't receive that issue.
NON PROFIT ORG
US POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO 1 792
PORTLAND OA
page 8