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American Tinnitus Association - Information Package for Tinnitus SufferersOver the past few months, we've received a ton of questions regarding tinnitus. This is not surprising as an estimated 50 million people in the United States alone suffer from this condition. Almost 12 million of those are affected so severely they are driven to seek help. Tinnitus (pronounced tin-it-us or tin-night-us) is a condition in which one perceives persistent noises in the head or ears described as ringing, hissing, roaring, buzzing, chirping, etc. These sounds are heard even in the absence of external sounds. There are many possible causes of tinnitus, the most common of which is exposure to loud noise. Other causes include, but are not limited to: excessive build up of ear wax, head or neck injuries, prescription and non-prescription drugs, allergies, Meniere's disease, an underactive thyroid, degeneration of the bones in the middle ear, and cardiovascular disease. To date, there is no known ‘cure' for tinnitus, but there are many treatments available. Often a person will have to try several or concurrent strategies to deal with their tinnitus such as: amplification with hearing aids, masking, tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT), drug therapy, biofeedback (a method of relaxation) and counselling. Some individuals have even turned to ‘alternative' treatments such as hypnosis or acupuncture in an effort to relieve their suffering. Through our Ms. Ears program we have referred many people to the American Tinnitus Association for further assistance. The American Tinnitus Association is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to supporting tinnitus research as well as helping tinnitus sufferers find treatment, support and relief. Not only are they very active in educating patients and healthcare professionals alike, but they also provide information, advocacy and resources to people with tinnitus and their families. In addition they promote community hearing conservation programs, self help groups, and fund tinnitus research. The American Tinnitus Association raises the funds for all of their programs on a membership basis. We contacted ATA directly to find out what the benefits of a basic membership are and they sent us a sample kit. Here's what we found out: A basic ATA membership will cost $25 US ($40 outside of the US). This helps to cover the costs of producing and distributing information to you. If you would like, you may donate more than this which will go towards funding tinnitus research and support.
With their membership kit, the American Tinnitus Association offers many resources that will help to answer all your questions about tinnitus and even put you in touch with a network of support groups and tinnitus specialists in your area. Your membership package will include:
Remember, this membership fee is a tax-deductible gift and you will receive a receipt with your initial package. If you can't afford a membership, don't worry. The American Tinnitus Association does not want to deny anyone help because of financial reasons. If you contact ATA and explain your circumstances, they will waive it's membership cost or ask you to donate only what you can afford. If you are interested in helping other tinnitus sufferers by donating your time as a support group leader, pen pal or tinnitus telephone contact, write to the ATA for a Support Givers Information Packet. Also take a look at this section of their site www.ata.org/selfhelp.htm For more information contact: American Tinnitus Association Tel: (503) 248 - 9985 E-mail: tinnitus@ata.org | |
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