VOLUME 9, NUMBER 2, OCTOBER 1984

THE AMERICAN TI NNI TUS ASSOCI ATION

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THIS OF
ARTICLE WILL SERVE TO
INTRODUCE ATA'S NEW
ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY,
Patricia Daggett, whose
husband, like so many of
us, has tinnitus.
* * * * *
As is often the case, awareness comes through personal experience - I had never even heard of
tinnitus until I met my husband and learned that he suffered from this affliction. His problem,
apparently, was initially caused by exposure to constant artillery with no ear protection,Cwhich
is currently in use.> However, it is often difficult to be certain about the cause and, indeed, he
was not aware of the ringing in his head until some years later, when it appeared during a period
of great stress .
Not until some years had passed, did we learn that his was not at all a unique case and that, in
fact, many millions of people suffer in a similar way. I say "similar because although tinnitus
is quite prevalent, each case is individual - what helps one person, may be totally ineffective
for another.
My husband was informed by his doctor, in 1953,that very little was known about his condition and
couldn't even name it - he would just have to learn to live with itl I am sure that even today
this is an all too familiar phrase to many of you, since, even though there are possibilities for
relieving the suffering of tinnitus now, tpere is still no cure. After testing and trying the
various possibilities, your doctor may still have to come to the same conclusion. So, the big
question remains - does one live with it?"
General good health tends to increase a person's feeling of well-being and may be an obvious place
to begin coping. It couldn't hurtl
Many people benefit from communication with other sufferers and find strength in knowing that they
are not alone. The self-help groups that are now in existence, and those being formed around the
country, may fill a real need for many.
From what I have observed, however , those tinnitus sufferers who cope most effectively are those
who accept their problem, but don't resign themselves to defeat and depression. The old positive
attitude can be a life saver! Many people complain that their tinnitus becomes intolerable when
they retire from their life' s work and it is probably because they have no distractions to take
their minds off of it. Whether you suffer from tinnitus or not, it would seem to be healthier to
have a reasonable number of activities to occupy your time, but it seems essential for those of
you who do have tinnitus
I imagine that you are thinking, well, it ' s easy for her to say when she isn't suffering, but
please remember that I am only reporting what I have learned from one who is. He says; "Don't let
that ringing sound become the be all and end all of your existence . "
Page 2.
OUR 'TELL A FRIEND' ARTICLE FROM THE LAST ISSUE
INSPIRED MANY PEOPLE TO WRITE.
HERE ARE JUST A FEW EXCERPTS FROM RECENT LETTERS
RECEIVED AT THE ATA OFFICE:
Some food for thought
When I first realized that tinnitus and deafness in
my right ear would be a permanent condition, I
decided to look at the options for my attitude
towards the rest of my life. There seems to be
three choices:
1) Quit living. 2) Wear a sign or comment on my
problem frequently to those I would speak to, so
that they would to be aware of my invisible
problem. 3) Accept my state, keep so busy that
there would be no time to think about my problem,
and look for positive aspects of living with this
condition. I didn't hesitate to adopt this third
choice.
Another view
(Excerpts from a letter written by a former musician
to his fellow players.)
As you are all aware, the reason I left the Band was
because I developed tinnitus which came about as a
direct result of being exposed to extremely loud
noise over a long period of time . Unfortunately,
my tinnitus has gotten progressively worse since
leaving the Band even though I've been extremely
careful to avoid loud sounds. Aside from the
constant ringing, which as you can imagine is not
particularly pleasant, my ears have become extremely
sensitive to loud noises. This sensitivity has
'become more of a problem to me than the ringing.
There is no scientific explanation for this
sensitivity--my theory is that my "shock absorbers"
have been damaged and thus my ears have a much lower
tolerance for loud sounds. What is loud to me is
just an ordinary sound to the normal ear Tinnitus
has drastically affected my everyday life, at home,
work, and socially Here is a list of the things I
can no longer do:
l.use a power mower ll.be in room with loud stereo
2.use a power saw 12.be at lounge with live band
3.do any hammering 13.attend parades
4.use electric drill 14.go to carnivals
S.use a chain saw lS.attend crowded parties
6.use vacuum cleaner 16.attend live sports events
7.use an air popper 17.ride in a convertible car
a.ride a motorcycle 18.use a garbage disposal
9,go bowling - - r9:do carpentry WOrK
lO.attend concerts 20.be around loud children
Aside from the things I can't do, there are others
that I can do only while wearing ear plugs, such as:
l.use a hair dryer 4.fly in commercial jetliners
2.use electric razor S.ride in my van over 50mph
3.ride in buses
Tinnitus is not a good thing to have. I hope this
letter scares you into doing something to protect
yourself. Keep in mind that tinnitus gives no
warning. One day your ears seem normal--the next
day they're ringing People ask me if I miss the
Band. I don't . I am at the point of being bitter
about it. If I had it to do over again I wouldn't
play at all.
More
I am a registered nurse and everytime my patients
complain of ringing in the ears I understand what
they are going through and try to help them . I
have a nerve hearing loss from my right ear and
suffer a lot of tinnitus, its almost constant. But
I have a peculiar way of dealing with it. I know it
will be with me all the time so I treat 'him' like a
friend. Every morning I get up and talk to 'him',
'Good morning, are you going to behave well today?
continued
'I hope so', and I go to work. If during the day it
hurts a lot or bothers too much I talk to 'him'
again. 'Why did you have to start bothering me
right now, don't you see than I'm at work and that I
can't attend to you now'?
More
I think it started more than four years ago. In
those days I was fond of rock music and smoking
hashish. I was using headphones. In simple words I
was cruel to myself. By and by I partially lost my
hearing Now, thanks to God, I'm working and
getting along well but this problem of 'voices'
continually bothers me do I have to live with
this throughout my life is it possible to get rid
completely from this torture? Please convey my
message to young 'Please stay far away from
drugs and rock music if you want to remain healthy
and productive. These are apparently exciting
things but behind all this glamour lie horrible
after
More
I do enjoy your Newsletter so very much! Some
undisclosed person put my name on your mailing list
and it has really been a 1 ife-saver. I .t.QQ joined
the ranks of the "ear noises" on February 7, 1983.
What a "hellacious" six months after that!! It is
hard to describe the panic, fear, and nervousness
that came with the noise. Finally when the brain
starts to accept the noise and normal activities can
be carried on without the "fear" of the sound
interrupting those activities, that is when you know
you're gonna make it. You know you're going to make
it but---at first you aren't sure. Reading your
Newsletter helps so much in realizing others have
and will go through the same symptoms as you have
and this gives others strength. I "feel" for all
those who have cases worse than mine. Only know
what they are going through
And lastly
A gentleman who wrote to us recently said that he
had a tinnitus that sounded like crickets. This
wasn't all that bad he recounted, because he could
enjoy those sounds of summer out on his patio even
in the wintertime -- sure was cold, though.
* * * * * * * * *
SELF-HELP GROUP AND NETWORK NEWS
Self-help groups for tinnitus continue to be active
throughout the u.s. and Canada. Now that vacation
time is over many groups are resuming their
activities. New groups are forming in many
localities. If you have never been contacted by a
local group and wish to join one or would like help
in starting one in your locality, please write to
us.
The Long Island Tinnitus Group <New York) was host
to Gloria Reich, ATA's Executive Director, on
September 13, 1984. Members of the Jules Gilbert
Tinnitus Group (Manhattan) and the Bergen County
Tinnitus Group (New Jersey) were invited guests.
September 21, 1984 was the date for the kick-off
meeting of the Los Angeles tinnitus group. A very
large number of ATA members live in the Los Angeles
area and this group is likely to be one of the
largest and most active. The organizational meeting
was held at the Federal Building on Wilshire Blvd.
<continued on Page 3.)
Page 3.
Self-help news continued
We are sad to report the death of Mary Dosher
Bonney, self-help group leader from Eugene, Oregon.
Mrs. Bonney has been active in ATA affairs for a
number of years and we remember her fondly.
several of the self-help group coordinators have
volunteered to act as representatives to the Federal
employees in their area who have questions about
tinnitus. This is a very helpful service and we
would be glad for more volunteers. Your name would
be listed with the Federal Executive Board, and with
community service agencies in your area as a local
contact for tinnitus information.
Volunteer Mileage Deduction Increases from $,09 to
$.12 effective January 1, 1985 for people who use
their automobiles while performing volunteer
service. (Deficit reduction Act signed by President
Reagan on July 13, 1984 - HR 4170 - Public Law
98-369).
* * * * * * * * *
TRIsurEs
The ATA tribute fund is designated 100% for
research. Thank you to all those people listed
below for sharing your memorable occasions in this
helpful way. Contributions to the tribute fund are
tax deductible and will be promptly acknowledged
with an appropriate card for the occasion. The
amount of the gift is never disclosed.
IN MEMORY OF
Etta Hayman
Phillip Folin
E. Kouyomjian
Emma Sanzone
Blanche Block
Dr Melvin Sinykin
Henry Edlstein
Rabbi S. I. Levin
James Obde
Loretta Ludvico
Mrs George c. Alam
Gardner Teilman
Herb Grant
Donald Hallquist
Mother Sarah
Sarah Lipschutz
Sarah Lipschutz
Sarah Lipschutz
Father Peyser
Verlin Miller
Dorothy Morrison
Louie Kowaleski
MIM Samuel Osten
Theodore Moore
Florence Kirschemann
M/M Jack Tabin
Julio Lowenthal
Mary K. Jacoby
Mary Dosher Bonney
CONTRIBUTOR
Burton Zitkin
M/M George Clark
M/M Henry Adams
Alam/Drucker
M/M Efrom Abramson
M/M Efrom Abramson
M/M Efrom Abramson
M/M Efrom Abramson
Allene M. Lenhart
Rocco Ludvico
Alam/Drucker
Marjorie Wilson
M/M Ray Hinchey
Lorraine Ulland
Anne Grodsky
T. Masters
Bette Van Wallendael
M/M Ray Foster
Anne Grodsky
Donald M. Bowman
Alam/Drucker
Ruth Kowaleski
MIM Howard H. Horwitz
M/M Bob Maurer
Richard Adams
Helen Tabin
Mariluz Giron
John M. Jacoby
Bob Hocks
IN HONOR OF CONTRIBUTOR
Jeri Brem
P. Fleishman & Fam.
Hart's New Home
Dr. Abraham Shulman
Joe Falz
Ruskin's New Home
In Appreciation of:
Wallin/Simon/Black
Confirmation of:
Nicole Allen
Bar Mitzvah-grandson
Promotion of:
Dr. Frank Kievitt
Grad Scott Epstein
Benjamin Brem
Bette Van Wallendael
Alam/Drucker
Bergen Self-Help Grp.
Mary Shields
Alam/Drucker
Jean & Joe Wolfson
Alam/Drucker
Sealfon Grandparents
Alam/Drucker
M/M Joseph Wolfson
BIRTHDAY WNTRIBI.JTOR
A Big Special Birthday To Joe Alam From His Friends
at ATA
Mrs. Maurice
Andrea Hart
Sandy Cassel
Peggy Doyle
Aresty M/M Gerald s. Gordon
Mrs. William S. Hart
Alam/Drucker
Jules H. Drucker
Julie Alam
Ro Traver
Jim Traver
Jay & Bebe Novich
Leslee Cassel
Joseph G. Alam
Adele B. Alam
Dr. Mary Meikle
MARRIAGE
Stone & Carmen
ATA RESEARCH
Alam/Drucker
Alam!Drucker
Alam/Drucker
Alam/Drucker
Alam/Drucker
Alam/Drucker
Alam/Drucker
Trudy Drucker
Alam/Drucker
Alam!Drucker
!;;ONTBIBUTQR
Alam/Drucker
CONTRIBUTOR
Tribute Long Island Tinnitus Grp
* * * * * * * *
OHIO CABLE TV FEATURES TINNITUS
*
Set of "Perspective" program taped at WXIX-TV,
channel 19, Cincinnati. Left to right; Claude P.
Hobeika, M. D., otologist, Toni VanHorn, hearing-aid
practitioner and Mike Davidson, program host. Dr.
Robeika and Ms. VanHorn are part of the ATA network
of professionals who offer help to tinnitus
sufferers.
* * * * * * * * *
MEDIA COVERAGE INCREASES
Syndicated and local coverage of ATA activities and
an increasing awareness of tinnitus have brought
increased interest from the media in carrying
programs and articles whose subject is tinnitus.
This kind of activity helps the general public to
become more aware of the problems created by
tinnitus. Public awareness of tinnitus is vitally
important when we are seeking research funding from
both Government and private foundations. Major
articles have appeared in the Washington Post, The
Los Angeles Times, & The St. Louis Globe-Dispatch.
These articles were reprinted in many other
newspapers and additional articles were written
about tinnitus because of them. ATA's Public
Service Announcements for radio have been heard in
every state and are taking the message of tinnitus
to people who have not heard about us previously.
Thank you for responding to these articles and for
taking the time to tell your local radio, TV, and
newspapers that you heard or saw them.
Page 4.
NOTICE ANNUAL COMBINED FEDERAL CAMPAIGN
UNDERWAY FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
American Tinnitus Association is a member of the
National Health Agencies for the Combined Federal
Giving Campaign. Please, if you are a Federal
worker, designate ATA to receive all or part of your
yearly charitable contribution. If you are
acquainted with a Federal worker you can help ATA by
reminding them that we qualify for participation in
their annual campaign.
The American Tinnitus Association does not make its
mailing list available to any other organization.
Partial lists are provided to patients for the
purpose of information and referral, or for their
use in starting a self-help group. The list is never
to be used for purposes outside the work of the ATA.
Please do not abuse your membership privileges by
letting the list fall into the hands of a commercial
promoter.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
NEW TINNITUS RESEARCH PROJECT
FUNDED BY ATA
Have you sent in your membership donation?
A research study entitled The Post-Masking Effects
of Tinnitus has recently been funded by the
American Tinnitus Association. Dr. Richard Tyler,
Associate Professor and Director of Audiology at the
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics will be the
principal researcher. Dr. Tyler hopes to learn more
about the post-masking effects on tinnitus and to
determine if patients with clear etiologies exhibit
particular patterns of post-masking results. A
report of Dr. Tyler's studies will be published in
this Newsletter upon completion of the project.
* * * * * * * * *
Regular member $15 or more
Sustaining member $25 or more
Professional member $100 or more
Benefactor $500 or more
Name: __________________________________ __
Address. ________________________________ _
City,State,Zip ________________________ __
Your gift is Tax Deductible
* * * * * * *
Tinnitus proceedings of the 2nd International Tfnnitus Seminar will be available
soon. This compilation of nearly ninety papers on the subject of tinnitus is
approximately 350 pages in length and will be the leading work in the field of
tinnitus research. The book is being printed in England and is expected to be
available for distribution from the ATA office sometime in November. Prepaid
orders for this publication may be sent to: ATA, PO Box 5, Portland, OR 97207.
Please make your checks for $25.00, which includes shipping, to the American
Tinnitus Association.
Name. _________________________ Address, ______________________________ __
City; State, ZiP----------------------------------------------------
PUbl ished by t he
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AMERICAN TINNITUS ASSOCIATION
A private non-profit corporation
under the Zaws of Oregon
The American Tinnitus Association
Post Office Box 5 Non-Profit Organ.
SCIENTIFIC
ADVISORY BOARD
Jack D. Clemis, M.D.
Chicago, Illinois
David D. DeWeese, M.D.
Portland, Oregon
John R. Emmett, M.D.
Memphis, Tennessee
Chris B. Foster, M.D.
San Diego, California
Howard P. House, M.D.
Los Angeles, Ca lifornia
Robert M. Johnson, Ph.D.
Portland, Oregon
Merle Lawrence, Ph.D.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Jerry Northern, Ph.D.
Denver, Colorado
George F. Reed, M.D.
Syracuse, New York
Robert E. Sandlin, Ph.D.
San Diego, California
Abraham Shulman. M.D.
New York , New York
Francis Sooy, M.D.
San Francsco, California
Harold G. Tabb, M.D.
New Orleans, Louisiana
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Robert Hocks, Chairman
Portland, Oregon
Thomas Wissbaum, C.P.A.
Portland, Oregon
Gloria E. Reich, M.S.
P or t l., nd, 0 egon
Exec.;u t1ve Dlfector, Editor
HONORARY DIRECTORS
Del Clawson, House of Rep. Rei.
Downey, California
The Honorable Mark Hatf1eld
Uni ted States Senate
LEGAL COUNSEL
Henry C. Breithaupt
Steel, Rives, Boley, Fraser & Wyse
Portland, Oregon 97207
(503) 248-9985
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 1792
Portland, Oregon