New Financial Assistance Program to Help Secure Treatment for Tinnitus
PORTLAND, Ore. - June 28, 2004 - The American Tinnitus Association (ATA) today announced the creation of a special financial assistance fund that will help pay costs associated with treatment of tinnitus. Funds will be available to people in the United States who hear ringing in their ears or unexplained noise in their head and who otherwise would be unable to afford medical evaluation, treatment, travel, or prescribed devices to deal with tinnitus.
ATA Executive Director Cheryl McGinnis explained that the new program is the result of a generous gift by an anonymous donor, who also has tinnitus.
"This donor knew firsthand the distress and devastating impact of severe tinnitus. Through ATA, they found healthcare professional who helped them cope and manage their own tinnitus, said McGinnis.
"However, they also witnessed the struggles of others who could not afford help. That experience crystallized a commitment to help tinnitus sufferers who lack the funds to get medical attention and devices that will improve their everyday life experiences," McGinnis said.
"This donor's large gift helped make the ATA Tinnitus Assistance Fund possible," said McGinnis. "It truly represents peace of mind for people who cannot afford some aspects of treatment for this debilitating and usually permanent condition."
Eligible individuals will receive up to $750 to pay for treatment, travel, and prescribed devices. Applicants will complete a confidential form and must be under the care of a healthcare professional.
A free listing of qualified tinnitus care providers may be obtained by calling ATA at 800-643-8978. ATA does not endorse particular healthcare providers or procedures, nor does it offer treatment advice. The provider list is maintained for the convenience of people with tinnitus who want help locating a provider in their area. All treatment decisions are confidential and remain between the healthcare provider and the individual.
ATA welcomes additional support of the Tinnitus Assistance Fund. This ongoing program helps ensure tinnitus treatment for everyone who needs it.
For more information on supporting this program and additional information about tinnitus, please contact ATA.
How to Apply to the Tinnitus Assistance Fund Interested individuals may request an application by calling 800-634-8978; by visiting the ATA web site at www.ata.org; or by writing to ATA, PO Box 5, Portland OR 97207.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a medical condition that causes millions of people to hear noise when no external source is present. Approximately 50 million people in the United States experience tinnitus. Roughly 12 million seek medical help to manage extreme symptoms, such as depression, loss of sleep and difficulty concentrating. Tinnitus can have a variety of causes, but hearing loss and exposure to loud noise are most commonly reported.
About The American Tinnitus Association
The American Tinnitus Association is a national nonprofit charitable organization dedicated to advancing tinnitus research through grants, and to supporting and assisting people with tinnitus and the professionals who treat them. The ATA is headquartered in Portland, Ore. Its web site is located at www.ata.org.
