VOLUME 1986

AMERICAN NNITUS
Dan Hocks and Jack Vernon
CURRENT INVESTIGA llONS FOR THE
RELIEF OF TINNmJS
by Jack A. Vernon, Ph. D.
On January 9, 1986, I had the good
fortune to receive the Robert W. Hocks
Memorial Award for work on tinnitus. That
award was, for me, a mixed blessing. It is
always nice to be so honored, but fo start
the new year without Bob Hocks was an
irretrievaole loss.
In this "acceptance speech" I have
thought at some length how best to honor
Bob. First, I thought to tell of the many
things Bob did and flow we all benefited by
his generous and ever-friendly actions. But
I thought that would only embarrass
hrm.
llNNITUSRESEARCHAWARD
PRESENTATION
At a gathering of ATA board members
colleagues and friends in the Portland
Center for Hearing and Speech Library on
January 9th, the first presentation of the
Hocks Memorial Award for Tinnitus Research
was made to Dr. Vernon director of the
Kresge Hearing Research Laboratory of the
Oregon Health Sciences Universrty was
honored for his work on tinnitus which has
the last two decades.
Congratulatory messages poured in from
well-wishers in far flung areas of the globe
as those who were present celebratea the
happy event.
Front,L -R: Betty Mathis,Jo Tanzer,Debbte
Wakefield,Ruth Ann Laster, Pat DaQgett.
Back,L -R Gussie McRoberts,Bob Johnson,
Helene Benson, Jim Smtth, Rick Metkle,
Kathleen Harlan, Stephen Vernon.
CURRENT INVESTIGATIONS, (continued)
Next was an idea to present the history of
the founding of the American Tinmtus
Association and Bob's invaluable role in
those early struggles. But, that story has
already been told and besides, Bob's efforts
were not limited just to the early days.
Finally it occurrea to me to ask: "Wnat
would Bob want me to say on this occasion?"
and then the answer was easy. Bob would
want to know, "What is new in tinnitus
research?"
I don't think I ever saw Bob that he
did not ask that question. He was
constantly inquiring about work which could
potentially be of value to the tinnitus
patient. And, please understand_, he was not
tnquiring for liimself, for Bob aid not have
tinnitus. Also, he never inquired in that
impatient manner which implies criticism,
instead, his inquiry was born out of a firm
conviction that only through research could
the riddles of tinnitus be solved.
At this moment, I clearly see Bob
Hocks standing before me saying, "What's
new in tinnitus research?" Here, Bob, are
my answers,which will be a three _part
article. This is Part I. USES OF ELECTRICITY
TO SUPPRESS TINNITUS .
Readers of past ATA Newsletters
already know something about .this topic.
You know, for example, that I, for one, am
fully convinced that eventually electrical
stimulation will be a practical procedure
for the control of tinn1tus. Readers also
know that there is, in Bordeaux, France, a
group of investigators very much involved in
electrical suppression of tinnitus: In July
of this year, several of us will meet with
the French investigators to,. discuss
electrical stimulation and how to make it
effective, safe and practical. At some later
time, you will be informed as to the results
of those discussions. . . .
There are some other investigators
currently studying the use of electrical
stimuli in order to relieve tinnitus.
1. Ellis Douek - cochlear implant work
has had the unexpected advantage of
eliminating tinnitus in some cases . . The
cochlear Implant which invades the inner
ear, is only used in profoundly deaf patients.
Douek, a surgeon 1n London, . has come up
with a modification of the cochlear implant
which may. make it available to tinnitus
pati!=3nts. He uses. an electrod$ implanted
agatnst the round w1ndow of the mner ear
2
and this procedure may ultimately be the
answer for electrical suppression of
tinnitus since his technique provides a
current path through the mner ear. We'll
have more to say about the current path.
2. Engelberg. & Bauer. These two
investigators working in the U.S. have
developed a pulse generator . which is so
arranged as to stimulate the external ear
with oursts of electricity. They only
stimulate selected points . on the ear which
are capable of low electrical resistance.
The stimulation period lasts 2 minutes and
is reQeated two or three times a week. In 8
of 18 (44/o) patients this treatment has
produced a partial relief of tinnitus. Their
definition of relief is worth consideration.
Usually, we think of relief as a reduction in
the intensity of the tinnitus, but these
investigators have defined relief as a
lowering of the pitch of the tinnitus. Now,
that definition bothers me a little bit.
There is evidence that a high-pitched
tinnitus is worse than a low-pitched one,
but nevertheless, there are some patients
who are _greatly bothered by low-pitched
tinnitus. The more interesting thing about
the Engelberg and Bauer approacn is that
after a series of treatments, some patients
experienced "relief" which lasted as long:as
two months! If one had only to be treated
for 2 minutes every 2 months, even a
pitch-change relief mtght be most welcome.
We need more information about the
Engelberg and Bauer approach so that more
may test it. The fact that ' 'these
investigators used specific stimulation
points on the external ear sounds a lot like
acupuncture, although they never mention
that word. 3. Morgan and tiis co-workers in
Lyon, France\ have utilized an instrument
called the Tin1top. This device delivers two
synchronized stimuli; one is an electrical
pulse and the.other is a sound pulse. Both
pulses are repeated at the rate of 144 per
second. Ttie treatment lasts for 45
minutes, where each stimulus is set at a
maximum comfort level. Treatment , is
. repeated every 10 days until a total of 6
treatments has occurred. . With this
procedure the French investigators reported
that 27 of 50 patients (54%) obtained relief
from their tinnttus. Unfortunately, they do
not tell us how long the relief fasts. The
.makers of the Tinitop have promised to send
us a unit so that we may test it. Thus, at a
AFLOODOFMAIL THATHASNT
STa'PED
by Patricia Daggett
Ann Landers knows how to get results
take it from the ATA! For those ol you who
don't know what we are referring to, let us
explain. Because of a letter from our
Executive Director
1
Gloria Reich, in answer
to questions direcied to Ann Landers about
tinni t us, we received approximately
100,000 requests for our information
packet.
As many of you know, ATA is a small
non-profi't organization which distributes
information, makes referrals and supports
tinnitus research. With only two full-time
employees, that staggering amount of mail
woul d have taken 1orever to answer.
Fortunately, a dedicated group of our
local members volunteered to help, making
an impossible task possible! We did receive
notice that Mrs Reich's letter would appear
sometime in January, so we sent a request
for help to our Portl and area members in
December. Nobody could believe how badly
we needed help, however, until they actually
saw the hundreds of trays of mail stackea
four or five feet high. (Many brought friends
and relatives along when tliey returned and
the word spreao.) All v1sitors to The
Tinnitus Cli nic, The Center for Hearing and
Speech and the Kresge Hearing Researcn Lab,
during the course of the eroject, were
amazed at the "assembly line' ttiat allowed
all of the letters to be answered within
three months.
. Portland Center for Hearing & Speech
kindly donated the use of their library, a
30'x40' room, in the building where our
office is located. A friend donated an
electric letter opener, which ran full time
for many weeks. The record was 18 trays of
mail opened in one day! Boxes were laoeled
for each state and after the letters were
opened and sorted, the self-addressed,
stamped envelopes were distributed into
them, in preparation for stuffing. (Requests
with neither envelopes nor postage had to
wait for another process whicti involved
printing labels after the names and
addresses had been entered into the
computer.) Volunteers assembled cover
letters, referral and self-help group lists,
brochures and membership information.
After the envelopes were stuffed, they
were sealed and oagged for the postman.
Our local postal employees were extremely
helpful and remained ctieerful' in spite of
3
Eff1e Cross, Ne11 Jeremiah, Gladys & Richard
Paulson
the heq.vy load, (up to 54 trays of mail in one
day!) We discovered that several of them
also suffered from tinnitus, so they became
even more involved in the project.
Lunch "fixi ngs" were provided for our
hard-working volunteers and t he coffee/tea
pots remained in use on a steady basis.
Kresge Lab employees were quick to find
ways to help. In addition to their individual
contributions to the prol ect they put o t : ~ a
special l.unch for the volunteers at wh1ch
certificates of appreciation were awarded.
Normally we are able to answer
requests for information within two weeks,
but this was not possible in these
circumstances. There was no way to let
you know what was causing the delay in
responding, and we regret tflat. (Some of
the problem was caused by more than 6000
letters with no return envelope and not a
little of the difficulty was due to illegibl e
handwriting.)
In sp1te of the fact that we were
working hard to answer your letters, you
probably thought that we had not rece1ved
your request or. were ignoring it. We thank
you fo( your pat1ence.
We received many poignant and
detailed descriptions about individual
experiences with tinnitus and we wish that
we had been able to answer each one with a
personal letter.
When you contact a professional from
our referral list be sure to tell them your
experiences and ask them the specific
CURRENT INVEST1GA110NS, (cent from pg. 2)
later time __you can expect to hear from us
about the Tinitop. 4. The The.raband. When
delivering electrical stimuli through the
skin, it 1s 9ften the. case that pain or
discomfort 1s the pnmary effect. The
Theraband is a unique device which permits
electrical stimulation through the. skin
without awareness, much less pam or
discomfort. This device cleverly utilizes a
carrier wave of very high (qO,OOO
Hz) which can the skm With. no
sensation so that 1t becomes the veh1cle
upon which other electrical stimuli are
carried. Using this technique, Shulman, a
surgeon in New York, tested 25 patients,
finamg that 15 (60/o) obtained relief.
Interestingly enough, all 15 of thqse
patients could also oe masked by acoustical
stimuli and that fact remina us that
Engelberg and Bauer combined acoustic and
electric energies in their attempt at
relieving tinn1tus. It is time that our
searches investigate combined or complex
approaches. The Theraband. story_,_ hmyever,
is not as clear as we would like. lhedmger,
an otolarynaologist working in Kansas City,
tested the lheraband on 30 patients. Of
those he had five who obtained relief.
Unfortunate!'(, three of these five also
reported relie during the placebo trialsJ
that is, when the unit was applied ana
apparently "on" but in rea1ity was
nonfunctional. The difference between
Thedinger's findings and those of Shulman
are not explained. Nevertheless, this
procedure should not yet be discarded.
Indeed, the use of the h1gh-frequency carrier
wave should receive a major mvestigation.
fEnd of Part I] Now that you have come to
fhe end of the first .of thi::; report, r11ay
I encourage you to part1c1pate 1n one ongo1ng
research project by completely filling out
and returning. the enclosed questionnaire.
Thank you. JAV
4
FILL OUT THE SURVEY--MAIL IT BACK TODAY
This is one way you can help increase
knowledge about tinnitus. Results of
the survey will be published in a
later ATA Newsletter.
ENCLOSE YOUR DONATION
ATA needs your support to continue
to support research and provide
information about tinnitus.
USE THE "FOLD-A-LOPE"
Directions for use are printed
on the envelope. (Page following.
the survey) .
- --- TRIBUTES ---
The ATA tribute fund
for research. Thank
people listed below
memorable occasions
way. Contributions
and will be promptly
an appropriate card
The gift amount is
is designated 100%
you to all those
for sharing your
in this helpful
are tax deductible
acknowledged witr.
for the occasion.
never disclosed.
IN MEMORY OF CONTRIBUTOR
Bertha Bearmon M/M Efrom Abramson
Judy-Lynn Benjamin del Rey
DIM Philip Silverstein
Mae Berg Sunny Anderson
Roberta Bergerson F & R Foster
William A. Caldwell Trudy Drucker
Robert J. Cotter Jane Cotter
"Fanny" M/M Jacques Simon
Fannie Feigin F & R Foster
Nathan Feldhamer M/M Efrom Abramson
Harry Glenn F & R Foster
Harry Glenn Anne Grodsky
Harry Goodfader M/M Mike Mills
Rose Goodfader M/M Mike Mills
Bob Hocks Mckie Stancil
Bob Hocks Marlene H. Johnson
Arthur Lewis June von Huly
Your Mother(Ehrmann)M/M J. Wolfson
Mother(Silverman) S & S Eisenberg
Mother(Pacin) S & S Eisenberg
Rosi Rizzi Dena Rizzi
Sally Rotman Sayde s. Linke
Lloyd Snyder H & R Adams
David Wolford Barbara Wolford
IN HONOR OF
Dr. Bruce Boltuch
Happy Easter
Jo Nell Alexander
Trudy Drucker
ANNIVERSARY
Drs. Virgil & Ruth
Baxter "42nd"
Donna Gary "34th"
RECOVERY
Miss sandra Krinsky
Leo Kahn
BIRTHDAY
Trudy Drucker
Trudy Drucker
Eloise Lyons
Jean Novich
Marcia Pierpont
Pearl Silverstein
David Silverstein
Ro & Jim Traver
Carolyn Traver
CONTRIBUTOR
Bergen Cty Tinn
Adele Alam
Eugene Kerley
Asbury Pk.Rotary c:
CONTRIBUTOR
M/M Ira Webb, Jr.
John H. Gary
CONTRIBUTOR
Anne Grodsky
Jean & John Mayer
CONTRIBUTOR
Traver Family
Jos. G. Alam
Mellody Family
J.Alam/ T.Drucker
H & I Sealfon
Phil,Robert,David
Phil,Pearl,Robert
J .Alam/ T.Drucker
J.Alam/ T.Drucker
AMERICAN TINNITUS ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL REPORT of ACTIVITIES
FOR YEAR ENDING OCTOBER 31,1985
REVOLUTIONIZING THE FIGHT TINNITUS
In 1985, ATA's sixth year slnce being incorporated,
tinnitus research programs were supported in the
areas of electrical stimulation,
effects of tinnitus, the effect of aspirin on
tinnitus, and on data gathering techniques that
will lead to better diagnosis, evaluation, and
treatment of tinnitus. Another study underway
seeks to establish the costs that are incurred by a
patient who has tinnitus .
One of the greatest problems in this field is
underactivity. There is not enough research being
conducted and there are not enough health providers
who are interested in treating the problem. Public
awareness can help to turn the tide. More and more
people are unwilling to accept the aphorism "learn
to live with it" and are demanding more reponsive
care. The interest shown in ATA's informational
displays at the National Hearing Aid Society,
American Academy of Otolaryngology, and American
Speech & Hearing Association conventions this year
indicates that more professionals are responding to
this challenge and looking for better ways to help
tinnitus patients.
STIMULATING RESEARCH ABOUT TINNITUS
It was the wish of ATA's former national chairman,
Bob Hocks, to stimulate clinical and research
activity for tinnitus and accordingly his family
has established a memorial award to be given for
outstanding achievement in the field of tinnitus.
The first presentation was made January 9,1986.
ATA's medical advisory board has been asked to
refer suitable research studies to the association
for possible grants. ATA is particularly
interested in supporting research that will provide
results directly applicable to tinnitus patients.
INCREASING PUBLIC AWARENESS
ATA distributed hundreds of tapes and
recordings of Tinnitus Public Service Announcements
during 1985 and these were aired on television and
radio throughout the country. Many thousands of
dollars worth of free air time was donated by
public spirited stations from coast to coast. In
March 1985, the MacNeil-Lehrer News Hour showed a
segment about tinnitus that had been produced by
KOAP-TV in Portland and included interviews with
Jack Vernon, Gloria Reich, and Barbara Lentz . Ms .
Reich also appeared on the Elle Pankin show in
Schnectedy, NY. Ms. Reich and other ATA
representatives were interviewed many times during
the year by media specialists who wanted
information about tinnitus. A number of- references
to tinnitus i n syndicated columns and feature
stories have resul ted from these contacts. The two
brochures that ATA has been distributing
"Information about Tinnitus", and "Coping with the
Stress of Tinnitus", have been well received.
About 60,000 of each have been mailed out this
year.
HELP IS AVAILABLE
Support for tinnitus sufferers is available through
ATA's network of referral clinics and self-help
groups. The referral clinics represent health
professionals from the fields of medicine,
dentistry, audiology, psychology and hearing help
who have expertise and interest in treating
5
tinnitus patients. The tinnitus self-help group
movement continues to grow. There are now over 150
groups in the US and Canada . If you would like to
start a group or belong to a group you may contact
the office for guidance. Many people who have
intractable tinnitus have finally found ways of
coping with it through their contact with other
sufferers in a support group. The support groups
can also be helpful in spreading the word about ATA
in their locality. Some groups have become
interested in community projects such as the
control of noise. During the year many groups have
had outside speakers in order to inform the members
about various treatments for tinnitus. These
speakers are most often health professionals from
the local community. In April, two groups in
southern California invited Dr. Vernon to speak to
them and these meetings were very well attended.
Ms. Reich spoke to the Baltimore, MD group in May.
The Bergen, NJ group heard Dr. Gardner and Dr.
Shulman. Groups in Flocida, Massachusetts,
Colorado , Texas, New York, Virginia, Arizona have
all reported group activities with audiologists,
physicians, psychiatrists, dentists and other
related specialities.
FEDERAL EMPLOYEES BACK ATA PROGRAMS
ATA has been a part of the National Voluntary
Health Agencies for the Combined Federal Giving
Campaign for the last three years. We are very
grateful to those Federal Employees who have
designated their donations for ATA. This program
continues to grow as our members become more aware
of it and Federal employees take advantage of our
services.
INCREASED NUMBER OF PEOPLE SERVED
New inquiries are received by the ATA office at the
rate of about 150 a week except when tinnitus is
mentioned in the media and the number of new
inquiries increases dramatically. A packet of
information is sent out by bulk mail in order to
take advantage of lower postal rates. This packet
includes the two ATA brochures, referral lists, and
Newsletter.
INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH REPORTED
The printing and publication of the book
"Proceedings of the II International Tinnitus
Seminar" was underwritten by ATA. More than 3000
copies of this volume are now in the hands of
physicians, health professionals, and interested
laymen. This volume contains the most recently
published papers about tinnitus and is an
invaluable reference for anyone working in the
field. Copies of the book are still available and
may be obtained by sending S25.00 us funds and your
complete mailing address to the ATA office.
WHERE THERE ARE PEOPLE, THERE IS HOPE ...
ATA's accomplishments have been largly due to the
efforts of loyal and dedicated volunteers. With a
paid staff of only two people it is evident that
our growth and future programs are dependent upon
the active participation of members and friends.
Please be one of these and go a step
further than just making you r annual contribution.
Help stimulate activity by writing to people who
are in decision-making with agencies
making research grants, by talking to media people
in your locality about possible feature stories or
news items about tinnitus, by participating in
local campaigns to preve:1t hearing loss and
tinnitus, and by your friends and
acquaintances to support Thank you.
11-tANKYOJTO EVERYCl'JEwt-0 HB.PED.
Here are the names of those people and
organizations who made it possible for us to
help you. (If we have forgotten someone
who should be on this list please forgive us.
Our memories and hastily written notes
cannot ever fully record what happened.)
Portland Center for Hearing & Speech
Research Laboratory
CTR13usiness "Systems, Inc.
Nettie Anderson, Mrs. Jack Artz, Jim
Balsam, Sally Benson, Ann Boss, Scott
Brown
1
George Callison, Tony Cardiello,
J.R. C aridge, Dave & Rosanna Creighton,
Effie Cross\ Walter Daggett, Rosemarie
Dattelle, A1pha Day, Pat Foran. Everett
Frogner, Alta Gaylord, Susan Gnest, Dan
Hocl<s, Floyd Jacobs, Joanne & Neil
Bill Johnson, Nancy Kelly,
Janelle r-.enagy, Jill Lilly, Eva Mackin,
Betty Mathis, Mary Meikle, Doris Merchant,
Curt Mitchell, Phil Morton & Family, Glenda
Munroe, Dee Niskanen
1
Gladys & Richard
Paulson, Portland Tinn1tus Self-Help Group
Mtg. 2-8-86, Linda Press Eva Reed, Ted
Re1ch, Nancy Russellb Cynthia Sahli, Joe
Scharff, Lo1s & Her Schiedel, Agnes
Schray, Maurice Secrest, Mike Smith &
Family, Anna Stone, Wanda Mr. &
Mrs. Taggart, Bob Trowbridge, Pam 1 uggle,
Blackie Walsh, Kay Wood, Sti1fley
Williams, Fred Wilson.
Some of the mall!
PLEASE KEEP US UP TO DATE ON tOUR CORRECT ADDRESS .
YOUR RETURNED NEWSLETTER IS A NEEDLESS EXPENSE,
AND, YOU DON'T EVER RECEIVE IT.
6
FLOOD OF MAIL (cont. from pg. 3)
questions that are still unanswered. If,
after all that, you still have questions,
please write or call us and we'll do our best
to get y_ou an answer.
The people involved in the "Ann
Landers Deluge" said that they found it to
be a satisfying experience. Tne work was
difficult and tedious but there was time, in
spite of the work load, to talk about the
various aspects of tinnitus and to empathize
with the stories that were coming out of
your letters. Most of the people mvolved
understood that there was not a cure, but
that research was ongoing and we can be
hopeful. In the meantime, we need to find
ways to cope and to try to make people
understand how important it is to prevent
more individuals from suffering the same
affliction. The result will be worth the
effort. Let's keep trying!
HELP ATA SAVE MONEY BY MAKING
YOUR ANNUAL DONATION NOW .
The increased work load from the Ann
Landers mail prevented us from sending
our annual billing. In order to save
time and the additional cost of postage
(rates have gone up and our mailing
list has tripled in size), there will not
be a separate billing this spring. -
We are enclosing an envelope that may be
used for your annual contribution, and
for returning your completed survey.
Don't miss future Newsletters, and do
help in the fight against tinnitus by
sending your check today.
N. STtJHCA
C*rtttld
S. RoAd
Tlrtnttue Aesocitlon
Portlend. Oce90n
1 e"llned the .stotcofl'l4'ftt of as.:seta. 11abl t l t and fund balancs
froM ca.sh trnac:tione for The ""'cricen Aa.soclallon
ao of October 31, end the related statmcnt of support,
and pend: I '"d" nd et1An9 in tvnd balances, and
otat.c"'ent of {unetlonal capendltures (or the yar than Ky
aaall'lintlon vaa Jn accocdance vlth 9enerally audlt.ln9
otand .. rds, and: acc('lrtHn9ly, lnch..h1ett .:.uch teote of the acc:ountin9
records and aueh otler audltln9 procedures as 1 ncc'ry
Jn tht clrcuatancea.
deecrrlbtod In Hote L the A.:s.socl etlon"e policy la to prepare ltt
flnancial on the bel of t"ccelpta and dleburaef!'lents:
conoequantly .. certain c.,.nu and thto reltd assets arc rcco9nlzcd
vhen reelvd rather than vhcn earned, and certain oce
reco9nlzad vhen paid rather than vhcn the obll9atlon la lnc:ucC"ed.
th Cln ncll ere not Sntendtod to
flnanchl poaltlon nd r'eault of opec-t.lona ln con(onalty
vlth geoetally acceptd ccountln9 pclnctple.
ln Y opinion, the flnancll lttttnnte to abov prtooent
falcly the at and r'laJnq ftolll eaah tranctJona o(
Th -'rlcan Tlnnltuo Aaoc1ot lon s o( Octobec Jl, 1985, anr1
colltocted and rdt\ t1urln9 the ycoC' then ended, on
bosl" o( In uotc 1, vhlch l.Jol h bean I"Plld
ln nncr vlth tht oC th praeeedtnq year.
RlCIIAAO M. STtHR
CERTifl&O PV8L1C ACCOUNTANT
AMERICAN TINNITUS
Statement of Liabilities and Fund Balances
Arising from Cash Transactions October 31, 1985
CURRENT FUNDS
7
Liabilities
Liabilities
Fund Balance-Note 1
Total
$
18,762
18,762
Assets
------unrestricted
Cash
$ 233
Statement of Support, Revenues Collected and
Expenditures Made and Changes in Fund Balances for
the Year Ended OCtober 31, 1985
Premium on investment in bonds
Purchased interest in bond investment
Investments - Note 2
Cash
Total
Restricted
Investments - Note 2
Total
Liabilities
Unrestricted
Liabilities
Fund Balance Note
Total
Restricted
Liabilities
Fund Balance - Note 3
Total
EQUIPMENT FUND
Assets
735
1, 411
104,652
$ 1071031
10,000
$ 101000
$
107.031
$ 1071031
$
10,000
$ 10,000
Amount
Public Support and revenue collected
Public Support $ 154,147
Rec'd Combined
Federal Campaign 33,492
Total Public Support 187,639
Investment Income 10,659
Total Support & Revenue $ 198,297
Expenses paid
Program services
Research 33,680
Pub. health ed. 71,499
Prof.health ed. 37,180
Total program services 1421359
Supporting services
Mgmt.& General 9,754
Fund raising 9, 735
Total supporting svcs. 191489
Total Expenses
s 161,848
Equipment, at cost
Less accumulated
$ 4 3. 567 Excess of public support and revenues over
depreciation-Note
Total $
(24,805)
18,762
expenditures made 36,449
Fund balances,beginning of year
99,344
Fund balances,end of year
$135,793
Statement of Functional Expenditures
For the Year Ended October 31, 1985
Program services
Supporting Services
Audit
Research
$
Board Expense
Book Publishing
contract Services
Federal Giving Campaign
Grants 32,608
Insurance ' Licenses
Mailings & Services
Memberships & Dues
Office supplies ' expense
Payroll ' payroll taxes
Postage
Printing
Public Service Announcements
Rent
Repairs
Research Supplies
Telephone
Travel & conventions
16
Public
Health
Education
$
4,071
783
62
4,985
1,244
23,275
8,010
6, 511
15,677
683
9
1,300
2,515
Total Expenses before
depreciation
Depreciation
32,624 69,125
1 ,056 2,374
Total Expenses 33,680 71,499
Professional
Education
s
8,265
335
26
2,136
533
9,975
3. 433
2. 791
6, 718
293
557
1,079
36,145
1,035
37,180
Statements, October 31,
Management
and General
$ 375
1,140
405
75
229
6,454
120
244
495
9,537
217
9,754
1985
Fund
Raising
s 375
4,171
229
4. 125
482
146
124

77.7\
16.9\
94.6\
5.4\
100.0\
17.0\
36.1\
18.7\
71.8\
4.9\
4.9\
9.8\
81.6\
.!.!.:...!!
Notes to Financial
Note 1 - Signigicant accounting policies
The American Tinnitus Association complies with the Uniforn Standards of Accounting and Financial
Reporting for Voluntary Health and Welfare Organizations and utilizes the cash basis of accounting.
The Association follows the practice of capitalizing all expenditures for equipment in excess of
SlOO; the fair vallue of donated fixed assets is similarly capitalized. Depreciation is provided
over the estimated useful lives of the assets utilizing accelerated methods. Investments are stated
at the lower of cost or market. All contributions are considered to be for unrestricted use unless
spec1fically restricted by the donor.
Note 2 - Investments
Investments are summarized as follows:
82,837 shares of Merrill Lynch CMA money fund, which is a money market
fund with a market value of one dollar per share
Certificate of deposit, 11.8\, Great Western Savings ' Loan, Beverly
82,837
Hills, due May 1986 30,000
Ford Motor Credit Corporation c Note, 11.5\, due December 1985 1,815
Total investments $ 114,652
Less investments included in restricted fund (10,000)
Investments included in unrestricted fund S 104,652
Premium on Investment in Bonds and Purchased Interest on Bond are amortized against bond
interest revenue during the period in which the revenue is recognized utilizing the cash basis of
accounting.
Note 3 - Restricted Funds
Contributions received during the year with the stipulation that they
be used for research by the contributor
Funds restricted for use of specific research projects at October 31, 1985
Note 4 - Leased Facilities
37,523
10,000
The American Tinnitus Association leases its facilities on an annual basis. The annual rent for the
twelve month period ending June 30, 1985 was Sl.220. The annual rental rate is renegotiated yearly.
Note 5 - Income Taxes
The American Tinnitus Association has obtained its status as a Section 50l(c)(3) organization from
the Internal Revenue Service and is therefore exempt from income taxes.
SELF-HELP FOR TINNITUS SUFFERERS
If you are reading this for the first
time you might be asking ...
HOW CAN I HELP MYSELF WHEN MY DOCTOR HAS
SAID THAT NOTHING CAN BE DONE FOR
TINNITUS AND I'LL JUST HAVE TO LIVE WITH
IT?
Maybe you are one of those who cannot
yet be h'lped by treatments currently in
use. Maybe you haven't wanted to try
some treatment either out of fear or
because of the cost . So, how does one
live with tinnitus? I wish there was a
magic solution. I wish that those of us
who do cope with tinnitus could tell
those of you who can't cope how we do
it. That is a difficult task which
counselors from many disciplines are
trying to accomplish. Answers are
beginning to reveal themselves and we'll
try to share some with you.
First of all, the most frequent
comment from people on a recent survey
was that they appreciated the self-help
group and valued what they had learned
there. You have all received lists of
the self-help groups for tinnitus. If
there is none in your area and you would
like to start one, we'll be happy to
help. Just write to us.
A recent issue of the Self-Help
Reporter lists the important reasons for
the rapid spread of the self-help
movement. They have to do with the
spirit or quality of self-help and are
valuable to think about. Here is their
list: (with some editorial comments.)
THE SELF-HELP ETHOS
1) A non-competitive, cooperative
orientation;
2) An anti-elite,
focus;
3) An emphasis on the indigenous--
people who have the problem know a lot
about it from the "inside , " from
experiencing it; (Many patients think
that no one else can know how
distressing it is to have tinnitus. I n
the self-help group everyone has it.)
4) Do what you can do. One day at a
time. You can't solve everything at
once. (Sometimes it helps just to take
8
a deep breath, be thankful that you are
alive, and resolve to carry on.)
5) A shared, often circulating
leadership; (No one is boss in a self-
help group. The members decide for
themselves.)
6) Being helped through helping
{the helper-therapy principle) - no
necessary antagonism between altruism
and egoism.
7) Helping is not a commodity to
be bought or sold; (How many tinnitus
patients are tired of paying money to
learn what they already know?)
8) An accent on empowerment --
control over one's own life; (We all
feel better when we are actually doing
something about a troubling situation.)
9) A strong optimisn regarding the
ability to change. (We must be
positive about tinnitus. "I experience
tinnitus, I do not suffer from it.")
10) Small may not necessarily be
beautiful, but it is the place to begir.
and the unit to build upon; (In the
case of tinnitus it may be as simple as
finding that if you stand next to a
waterfall you can't hear the tinnitus,
so you go there if you need to feel
better. You haven't cured tinnitus but
you have provided yourself an
alternative.)
11) A critical stance toward
professionalism which is . often seen as
pretentious, purist, distant,and
mystifying. Self-helpers like
simplicity and informality. (This is
not an anti-professionalism statement
but rather an affirmation of one's own
intelligence about his or her own
body.)
12) An emphasis on the consumer.
In this instance the consumer is also
producer -- of help and services.
13) Helping is at the center --
knowing how to receive help, give help
and help yourself. Self-victimization
is antithetical to the ethos; (There
is no room for self-pity in dealing
with tinnitus.)
14) The group is the key -- de-
isolation is critical. (Get out and
meet others who have the same problem.
They are great people: just like you.)
THE MORE YOU HEAR THE MORE YOU LEARN
Noise is not a new problem to society.
It has been a problem for most of
mankind's existence. There is
reportedly an ordinance enacted some
2,500 years ago by an ancient Greek
community banning metal works and the
keeping of roosters within the city to
protect against noise that interfered
with speech and might disturb sleep.
Over the past 200 years, there has been
a steady increase in the magnitude of
the impact of noise, changing tne nature
and the extent of the problem from that
of a primarily a nuisance to one now of
annoyance and actual physical damage.
Today an estimated 20% of the u.s.
population is affected with hearing loss
or tinnitus. These conditions result
mostly from exposure to loud and
unnecessary noise levels. They can be
simple as a wax block and as complex as
permanent nerve deafness. However,
there are no home cures, hearing loss is
nothing to be trifled with, more often
hearing disorders appear to affect the
people around the victim more than they
affect the actual victim. Most hearing
loss is painless, what you don't hear
you don't miss, therefore the person
with the hearing loss is the last to
know. Many of todays studies on noise
indicate physiological and psychological
health disorders as well as tinnitus and
hearing loss. These other health
disorders may be made known at the
conscious level as the feeling of
annoyance, irritation, fatigue,
headaches and argumentativeness. The
amount of noise and the length of time
exposed are the deciding factors in
noise induced hearing problems.
Hearing, however, does not toughen up
just because you nexpose yourself
gradually. A good example of dangerous
With thanks to:
Jefferson Communications Inc.
9
sound levels would be to operate a lawn
mower (100dB) while listening to
personal stereo headphones (turned up
to maximum output in order to be
heard). Another would be working in a
club or disco with music playing at a
volume which requires shouting in order
to be heard, or music at a level that
you can feel the vibrations. This type
of exposure can cause temporary hearing
loss and temporary ringing in the ears.
After your hearing has had time to
rest; it returns to almost normal.
Long term exposure will lead to
permanent and irreversible hearing
damage. Unlike ancient Greeks we have
technology to overcome these
communication disorders.
Unfortunately, lack of public
information leaves us with an estimated
57 million cases of hearing loss or
tinnitus. It appears most people are
unaware or unconcerned with hearing
disorders. In an effort to create
better hearing health awareness a
nationwide network of hospitals and
hearing health clinics are setting up
information systems to provide accurate
information on hearing problems and
hearing protection programs. Today it
is now possible to take a preliminary
hearing screening test over the
telephone. By dialing callers will
receive a prerecorded message and be
given a simple screening test. Take
this screening in a quiet environment,
using a good quality phone; and call
more than once to be sure you have
heard all 8 tones.
There are presently 146 local numbers
to call in 42 states. To obtain the
number nearest you call 1-800-222-EARS
(3277). In Pennsylvania call 215-565-
6114. This information is available by
mail by writing to Occupational Hearing
Services, Box 1880, Media, PA 19063.
THIRD INTERNATIONAL TINNITUS SEMINAR
JUNE 11-13, 1987, MUENSTER, W.GERMANY
The organizing committee headed by
chairman, Harald Feldmann, M.D. are
planning a meeting of scientists who
will be presenting papers on subjects
relating to tinnitus research. Topics
will include
-etiology and pathophysiology of tinnitus
- models of tinnitus
-acoustic emissions
-psychoacoustic masking phenomena
-evaluation of tinnitus parameters
-diagnosis and classification
-t=eatment by maskers
-electrical stimulation
-treatment by drugs
-biofeedback
-surgical treatment
Scientists desiring further information
about the conference should make inquiry
of : Secretariate ENT Department, Univ.
of Muenster, Kardinal-Von-Galen-Ring 10,
4400 Muenster, WEST GERMANY
SCIENTIFIC ADVISORS
Jack D. Clemis, M.D.,Illinois
David D. DeWeese, M.D.,Oregon
John R. Emmett, M.D., Tennessee
Chris B. Foster, M.D.,California
Richard L. Goode, M.D.,California
Howard P. House, M.D.,California
Robert M. Johnson, Ph.D.,Oregon
Gale W. Miller, M.D., Ohio
J.Gail Neely, M.D., Oklahoma
Jerry Northern, Ph.D., Colorado
George F. Reed, M.D., New York
Robert E. Sandlin,Ph.D.,California
Mansfield Smith, M.D., California
Abraham Shulman, M.D., New York
Francis A. Sooy, M.D.,California
Harold G. Tabb, M.D.,Louisiana
r-----Published by t h . e - - - - - - - - - ~
AMERICAN TINNITUS ASSOCIATION
P.O. Box 5, Portland,OR 97207
A private non-profit corporation
under the laws of Oregon
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
TINNITUS BOOK NOW AVAILABLE
The American Tinnitus Association
offers the Proceedings of the 2nd
International Tinnitus Seminar,
New York, NY, June 10-12, 1983.
62 Papers - 323 pages
MECHANICS:
facts & theories
DIAGNOSIS
TREATMENT:
psychological
medical
surgical
suppression with
electrical stimulation
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HONORARY DIRECTORS
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LEGAL COUNSEL
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Stoel,Rives,Boley,Fraser and Wyse
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Editor
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