VOLUME 6, NO.

3 NOVEMBER 1981
THE AMERICAN TINNITUS ASSOCIATION
M:!\ NNT!JFI BOr\RD MEE'1S IN Nlti <E..FAR>
DEWEESE APPOINTMENT ANNOUNCED
David D. DeWeese, M.D., ATA Advisory
Board Member, has been appointed by Secretary
of Health and Human Services Department,
Richard Schweiker, to the Advisory Committee
to the Director of the National Institutes of
Health. Dr. DeWeese 's four year appointment
to this sixteen member board was announced in
Portland on October 21, by Robert Hocks,
National Chairman of ATA. Dr. DeWeese was
instrumental in the early growth of ATA and is
the retired chairman of the Department of
Otolaryngology at the Oregon University Health
Sciences Center.
JOIN THE PICHT AGAINST TINNITUS!
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The annual meeting of the medical advisory board of ATA was held at the Marriot Hotel, New
Orleans, September 21, 1981. Present at the meeting were members Jack Clemis, M. D., John Emnett,
M. D., Boward Bouse, M. D., Bob Johnson, Ph.D. and Abe Shulman, M. D. Also present were Bob
Bocks, ATA chairman, Gloria Reich, ATA executive director, John House, M. D., Pat House, Ph.D.,
Mary Meikle, Ph.D., Jack Vernon, Ph.D., Joe Rizzo and Debbie Williams fran Better Hearing
Institute and Marjorie Skafte, Editor, Hearing Instruments.
A special welcane was extended to new board members Drs. Clemis and Emnett as well as to the
guests present.
Among topics covered at this meeting was the announcement of the PSA television spots with
BHI mentioned elsewhere in this Newsletter, the Tinnitus Data Registry, a computer based registry
of information about tinnitus patients developed by Dr. Meikle with a seed grant fran ATA, the
need for cooperation with centers around the world doing tinnitus work, and current research
developnents regarding drugs and cochlear implants. Dr. Shulman announced that the 2nd
International Tinnitus Seminar will be held in New York in June 1983.
AMERlQN lBJliW I IXjX :p;!E1"f
Sumnary by Abraham Shulman, M. D.
Tinnitus was the major topic of discussion at
the recent meeting of the American Neurotology Society
held at the Marriot Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana,
September 20, 1981, in conjunction with the annual
meeting of the American Academy of Otolaryngology -
Head and Neck Surgery.
The American Neurotology Society is an
specialists in Otolaryngology who have
as maLn Lnterest the evaluation of patients with
complaLnt{s) of hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, ear
blockage, alone or in combination which may present
themselves as ear located canplaints but which may be
an expression of disease of the peripheral anQ/or
central nervous systems.
The presentations at this meeting were
Audiology Section: Tinnitus Masking - Fact, Fancy and
Finances, Program Chairman: Jack D. Clemis, M. D.
a) Jack Vernon, Ph.D. - Historical and scientific
basis for masking
b) Vernon Morgan, M. A. - Types of maskers and
engineering considerations
c) Robert M. Johnson, Ph.D. - Proper fitting procedure
of maskers
d) Abraham Shulman, M. D. - Overview
e) John House, M. D. - Masking versus biofeedback
f) John &nnett, M. D. - Masking versus drug therapy
g) James Par.pas, M. D. - Masking in a dispensing
practice
The moderator of the session was Jack Clemis
of Chicago, Illinois. Jack Vernon reviewed historical
of tinnitus and masking. A review of the
h1gh success rate of the Tinnitus Clinic of the Oregon
Health Sciences University was presented. Vernon
Morgan discussing the engineering aspects of the
tinnitus masker introduced new engineering techniques
to increase the capabilities of tinnitus masking for
those patients in the frequency range above 7KHz. Bob
Johnson presented an explanation of the tinnitus
eval':"ltion procedure and the system used for fitting
tinn1tus maskers at the Oregon Tinnitus Clinic. The
close cooperation between otolaryngology, Dr.
Schleuning, and the audiologist, Dr. Johnson, and
research, Dr. Vernon, forms a basis for objectivity of
the tinnitus complaint and its application for the
satisfactory fitting of the tinnitus masker andVor
hearing aid anQ/or tinnitus An overview
of tinnitus reflecting the experience of the tinnitus
clinic of the Downstate Medical Center and the Queens
Otologic Medical Developmental Center was presented by
Abe Shulman. The work is a reflection of a team
approach of audiology of this group
- Dr. B. GoldsteLn, audlologLst. A high level of
success rate was reported with masking and
instrumentation; with emphasis on identification of
the underlying medical ear conditions. Canplete
neurotological evaluation increases this capability.
TOtal evaluation of the nerve of the ear for hearing
and balance attempts to locate the tinnitus establish
its cause; form a basis for treatment control
of the symptom of tinnitus. John House presented an
overview of the high success rate of the Los Angeles
otologic Medical Group using biofeedback as a system
of control in a patient not responsive to tinnitus
masking. A close cooperation between otologist and
psychologist was stressed as essential with the
application of the biofeedback system. John Fmnett
presented a report of the significant success rate of
intravenous lidocaine for the control of tinnitus. nr .
&nnett announced that three centers have been selected
for a study in the u.s.A. of the oral lidocaine
product tocainide. The centers of study will be the
Shea Clinic in Memphis, Tennessee, the Oregon Health
Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, and The
University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa. James Pappas
a review of the tinnitus masking experience
Ln a large otologic medical group during a four year
period. A low success rate using tinnitus masking was
reported.
The meeting was well attended by
Otolaryngologists, Neurotologists, Audiologists,
Psychologists, and engineering professionals. The
medical aspects of tinnitus as a symptom of
neurotologic disease were defined. A method of
evaluation, treatment and control using tinnitus
masking was presented. This meeting should be
recognized as an attempt of the otologic conmunity to
intensify its efforts related to the understanding and
control of the symptom of tinnitus.
TlltiL'lVS IN BRASIL
The following article was sul::rnitted by Dr. Marco
Elisabetsky who has spent some time in the U. s.
learning about tinnitus masking. Dr. Elisabetsky sees
tinnitus patients at the Clinica Otorrino1aringologica
in Sao Paulo, Brasil.
During the period of 1.5 year, 100 patients
suffering from tinnitus were examined, using the
technique advised by Prof. Vernon.
A small percentage {10%) were treated and
cured by classical clinic and surgical methods: these
patients presented: obstruction of the Eustachian
tube, wax adherent to the tynpmum, diabetes, anemia
and otosclerosis. However, the majority presented
tinnitus with which the patients had already learned
to deal with, and therefore didn't want to use the
masking as treatment.
Around 30 patients, presented disabling
tinnitus, and after performing the necessary tests,
started to use the different types of maskers
indicated by the results obtained.
A summarized statistic, which is equal in the
majority of cases with the one obtained in the
Tinnitus Clinic of the Oregon University is presented
below:

Male 25
Female 11
Resid!lal Inhibition
Positive 18
Negative 14
Tinnitus Localization
Right ear 11
Left ear 10
Both ears 7
In the head 8
s
20 - 30 years - 5
30 - 40 years - 6
40 - 50 years - 10
50 - 60 years - 7
Over 60 years - 14
Tinnitus frequency Tinnitus rntensity
Lower than 2,000 Bz-10
2,000 to 7,000 Hz-12
More than 7,000 Hz-11
Probable Diagnosis
Circulatory - 7
30 - 40 dB - 7
40 - 50 dB - 6
50 - 60 dB - 10
60 - 70 dB - 7
70 - 80 dB - 6
More than 80 dB-5
Middle Ear Chronic Otitis - 2
Drug Induced - 2
Psychogenic - 1
Acoustic Trauma - 2
Post-Surgical - 2
Head Trauma - 4
Unknown- 13
ReSUlts With MaSking
Improved - 10
Became worse - 2
Did not follow

Continued on page 4.
IN MOORY Of
Abe Goldsmith
Mrs. Goldberg
Dr. Monroe Sheinberg
Dr. M. Westerbeck
Israel H. Zipperer
Richard B.Ellerbrock
Mrs. Theodore Stafford
Gertrude Cormer
Walter N. Gardner
Belle Sealfon
Margaret Ward
Edward Pankowski
Lillian v. Fries
Lena Stupsky
Sargent, my dog & friend
Louis Halperin
Mary Arm Hallock
Charles Williams
Mrs. ApOlloina Verhoff
David A. Moss
Mrs. Jessie Bowman
c. Milton Daniell
Francis E. Randolph
Cynthia Jane Epley
Charles F. Jeffrey
The Charles Schimmoellers
Pete Maag
John B. Atwood
The Frank B. Siebenecks
Lt.Col.William 0. Cromwell
Ronald Burke
Steven Ginsberger
Willie Williams
Mrs. Margaret Ward
Mrs. B. Wysong
Mr. Ferdinand Siebeneck
Mrs. Mayfern Nelson
Armie Anderson
Aunt Nancy Bush
H. Charles Weiser
Beulah Cunningham
Frank Kourt
Casimier Kowaleski
Jerilyn Pelzer
Frank Boehm
Etta Hayman
Richard Christopher
Mr. R. E. Irby
Mr. Ralph Martini
Mr. George Valos
ATA '.DWm'E PUll>
With grateful thanks to the following people
who have contributed to the tribute fund for tinnitus research.
J. Alam & T. Drucker
Liz & Lou Freeman
Carol Krohn & Family
Henry & Doris Adams
Mr.& Mrs. Bradley smith
Mr. & Mrs. Ken Ellerbrock
Mrs. Raymond Winter
Ruth Kowaleski
Neal E. Mann
The Irwin T. Sealfons
Mrs. G. Burrows
The Theodore Kowaleskis
Donald B. Fries
The Raymond Fosters
Willis Harps
Rose Shielman
The Thomas Strongs
Della & Don Ramsden
Mrs. Ken Ellerbrock
J. Alam & T. Drucker
Joy & Laura f<litchell
Mr. & Mrs. Charles True
James F. Randolph
Bob & Ruth Hocks
Robert & Carla Harmon
Z.tr. & Z.lrs. Ken Ellerbrock
Mr.& Mrs. Ken Ellerbrock
Phyllis Pugh
Mr.& Mrs . Ken Ellerbrock
Mr.& Mrs. Arthur Anderle
z.tr.& Mrs. Raymond Foster
Florence & Harold Linden
Florence Linden
Mrs. George Burrows
Doris & Henry Adams
Mr. & Mrs. Ken Ellerbrock
A.M. & L.A. Gaylord
A.M. & L.A. Gaylord
A.M. & L.A. Gaylord
Frances F. Weiser
Mrs. James J. McGrath
Franklin & Cynthia Kourt
Theodore V. Kowaleski
Mr. and Mrs. John H. Gary
Roger and Mary Parian
Burton Zitkin
Miss Lisa Franklin
Dr. Larry H. Day
Richard's Toy Shop
Henry & Doris Adams
ANNIVERSliRY
Clem & Ruth Siebeneck
Ken & Pat Ellerbrock
IN HQWR OF
Robert Silva
"Eh! What did he say?"
Our good fortune
Tirmitus sufferers
in research
BIRI'HDAY
Ro Traver
Carole Harlan
C.arolyn Traver
Mary Cassel
Jack Weinsoft
Rose Vogelfanger
Julie A. Alam
Jim Traver
William s. Hart
Joseph Dratel
Joseph Dratel
Gilbert A. Cassel
Sanford Cassel
Andrea Alam Hart
Jules H. Drucker
Peg Doyle
Leslee Cassel
John G. Alam
Joyce E. Koehler
Pamela Traver
John G. Alam, Jr.
Adele B. Alam
Joseph G. Alam
GRAPUATION
Mary Cassel
MARRIAGE
Steven Doyle
1llRI'H
Z.tr.& Mrs. Ken Ellerbrock
Mrs. Ken Ellerbrock
Mr.& Mrs. Brian Headrick
Thomas Kitzler
Ray Foster
Mrs. Henry Quinn
June Friedlander
J. Alam & T. Drucker
Pamela G. Dimberg
J. Alam & T. Drucker
J. Alarn & T. Drucker
Gertrude Lewis
Harry Vogelfanger
J. Alarn & T. Drucker
J. Alarn & T. Drucker
J. Alam & T. Drucker
William Dratel
Charles Lowlicht
J. Alam & T. Drucker
J. Alam & T. Drucker
J. Alam & T. Drucker
J. Alarn & T. Drucker
J. Alam & T. Drucker
J. Alam & T. Drucker
J. Alam & T. Drucker
J. Alam & T. Drucker
J. Alam & T. Drucker
J. Alam & T. Drucker
J. Alam & T. Drucker
J. Alam & T. Drucker
J. Alam & T. Drucker
J. Alam & T. Drucker
Nicole Pelletier J. Alam & T. Drucker
Tiffany He in J. Alam & T. Drucker
SPECIAL OONA,TIONS FOR ATA RESEARCH FRQ:l.:
Michael Cuomo, Ronald Rohleder, Burmy Heymach,
Vivian Goldman, Jules Drucker, Joe Alam,
Trudy Drucker, Raymond J. Tessier
SELF-HELP GROUPS FOR TINNITUS
The ATA office has accumulated a file of names of people around the United States who are interested in
belonging to a group in their locality where they can share, face to face , their common concerns about tinnitus.
If you are one of these people who have contacted us, or someone else who 1wuld be interested in starting
a self-help group, please contact us again and we can provide you with assistance. ATA will write a letter to
all of the people in a certain locality who r eceive our Newsletter inviting them to a meeting about tinnitus.
Those who show up at the meeting will provide the nucleus for your group. You will have to arrange for a meeting
place and set a time, allowing enough lead time for us to contact the people who are to be invited. We can also
provide you with guidelines for self-help group organization but you must remember that beyond the initial meeting,
the group will be what you make of it. Some of the benefits that a self-help group can provide for its members
are helping to cope with stress, helping one grow as an individual, and helping to build a satisfying social
environment . If you want to have a speaker for your meeting that can usually be arranged by contacting professionals
in your community. ATA can assist you in finding someone if you don't already have contacts .
Self-help groups are flourishing within the British Tinnitus Association and we are eager to see them develop
here. This might be the opportunity you've been waiting f or. Write to us. We want to hear from you.
liMERICAN TINNI'lUS ASOCCIATIC:ti BBl.
FRRI<X) TEUMSIOO PSI\
Actor/strongman Lou Ferrigno will star
in a new television public service
announcement-the first national PSA
about tinnitus-jointly sponsored by
the American Tinnitus Association and
Better Hearing Institute. Filmed
recently at Ferrigno's home in Los
Angeles, the PSA is scheduled for
release January 1, 1982 to the ABC,
CBS, and NBC networks and 400 local
stations in the top u.s. markets.
People who want more information after
seeing the announcement will be able
to call BHI's toll free hearing hot-line
or write to KrA at PO Box 5, Portland,OR.
Published by the
MI!IIICl\11 TIIIIII'mS AS&lCIN.!'ICii
A private non-profit corpontJ.on
under the laws of Or"90"
Hf'<'jraJ Advisory BoArd
Roger Boles, M. D.
San Prancisco, california
Jack D. Clemis, H. D.
Olicago, Illinois
David D. DeWeese, H. D.
l'Ortland,Or"90"
John R. Jmnett, M. D.
MecPU, Tennessee
HoWard P. !louSe, H. D.
Los lln(Jeles, california
Robert M. Johnson, Ph.D.
l'Ortland,Or"90"
Merle Lawrence, Ph. D.
AM Arbor, Michigan
Jerry Northern, Ph.D.
Denver, Colorado
George P. Reed, M. o.
Syracuse, New York
Robert E. 5and.U1l, Ph,D.
San Diego, CAlifornia
Abraham Shul.man, H. D.
New York, New York
Harold G. Tabb, M. D.
New Orleans, Louisiana
pard of pi rectors
Robert llocks, Olairman
l'Ortland, 0<"90"
Gloria &. Reich, Exec.Dlr.
l'Ortland, Oregon
Charles M. o.
I:lowney, Cal ifomia
Thomas Wissbaum, C. P.A.
l'Ortland, Ot"90"
Honorary Pi rectprs
Del Clawson, House of Rep.Ret.
Downey, california
HOnorable Mark Hatfield
cni ted states senate
regal O?tmel
Henry C. Breithaupt
Stoel,Rives,Boley,Fraser ' wyse
TlNNI'lUS IN BRASIL continued from paJe 2.
In the beginning, for the patients who did not
wish to follow the masking treatment, I used
anticonvulsant drugs such as Hidantal and
carbarnazepine; however, in these few cases, results
were not good as the patients discontinued the
treatment due to different reasons.
The biofeedback is not yet largely accepted in
Brasil, and the few psychologists who employ it have
no experience whatsoever with the treatment of
tinnitus.
In this short period of activity, my
experience showed that it will be of utmost importance
for the patients the progress of electronics,
the development of maskers which present more narrow
masking bands for the masking of tone tinnitus,
trying to reach the ideal mark of 1/3 of an octave.
The protection measures for the millions of
workers in industries where there is noise pollution
is strikingly tragic in Brasil. With rare exceptions,
no protection whatsoever is used, therefore the number
of persons with tinnitus and/or disacusis increases
enormously every year.
Therefore, there is a great hope in the
progress of masker-producing industries to at least
decrease the terrible suffering of these unbaR':{
patients.
ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION AMERICAN TINNITUS ASSOCIATION
Regul.u Member S 15 or 0
Sustaining Member $ 2S or more 0
Professional Member S 100 or more 0
Beoefactor $500 or more 0
YOUR GIFT IS TAX DEDUCTIBLE
The American Tinnitus Association
Post Office Box 5
Portland, Oregon 97207
(503) 2489985
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED