American Tinnitus Association: Summiting for Silence, Mt. Hood 2013

PORTLAND, Ore., May 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Donna Brown, long-time tinnitus sufferer and member of the American Tinnitus Association (ATA) will summit Oregon's Mt. Hood July 11-12, 2013 as a fundraiser for the organization. With an elevation of 11,240 ft., Mt. Hood is the tallest mountain in Oregon and one of the most popular and well-known glacial peaks in the Cascade range. Approximately 10,000 people attempt to climb Mt. Hood every year and with 12 glaciers; it is technical to climb even in the summertime. All of the funds donated to support Brown's valiant effort will be restricted to funding research through ATA's research grant program.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120501/DC97522LOGO)

Tinnitus, commonly referred to as "ringing in the ears," impacts up to 50 million individuals in the United States. According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 16 million in the U.S. have sought medical attention for chronic, persistent and intrusive tinnitus. Tinnitus also remains the number one service-connected disability for U.S. veterans from all periods of service, accounting for over 840,000 veterans. While there are some treatments that work for some people, currently there is no cure.

"Nearly 20 years ago, tinnitus shattered my world and I could barely climb out of bed; nothing in life could have prepared me for the 24/7 agony of tea-kettle-whistling in my ears," recalls Brown. "If you don't have tinnitus, it's hard to understand just how disabling this condition can be - it's a sound that you cannot escape from, that follows you around wherever you go and can interfere with sleep, cognition and daily life in general. I may be 61 years old, but believe me, you're never too old to make a difference in something that you really believe in - and for me, it's a tinnitus cure," she concluded.

Brown, of Colorado, has always been an outdoor enthusiast. In 2007 she successfully climbed another Cascade peak, Washington state's Mt. Rainier. Her success both on the mountain and on the fundraising front helped ATA fund the most research it had ever funded in a single year. As a result, Donna decided that she wanted to help hasten the pace of research once again with another summit attempt.

Over the past decade or so, tinnitus research has increasingly focused on the brain's involvement. Recent studies have demonstrated that tinnitus is not just an auditory disorder but involves many areas of the brain and is closely linked to depression and anxiety. Because of these findings, research is focusing more on the neurological aspects of tinnitus and treating the areas of the brain involved with tinnitus perception. Previously tinnitus was thought to be a "disease of the ear" and simply a symptom of hearing loss.

To learn more about Donna Brown's efforts or to contribute to the success of her climb visit: ATA.org/donna-brown-2013. Donna's personal goal is to raise $100,000 and all those who make a donation of $100 or more will be included on a special banner that she will unfurl at the mountain top.

About the American Tinnitus Association
The American Tinnitus Association, headquartered in Portland, Ore., is the nation's foremost organization committed to curing tinnitus. For over 40 years, ATA has helped patients understand and manage the "ringing in their ears." ATA exists to cure tinnitus through the development of resources that advance tinnitus research. Founded in 1971, ATA has contributed millions of dollars to medical research projects focused on curing tinnitus. The association also provides information to the public and advocates for effective public policies that support its mission of curing tinnitus. ATA.org.

Contact: Jennifer Born (800) 634-8978 x215
[email protected]

SOURCE American Tinnitus Association